Huntly Station in Victoria will open almost a year ahead of its original completion date of mid 2023, while the new Raywood Station is being delivered six months early.
Each station features a single-sided platform, seating and shelter, bike hoops, and a car park with lighting and CCTV.
From 16 July, 18 services a week will stop at Huntly’s brand-new station, while 28 services a week will stop at Raywood Station from 17 July as part of a revised timetable.
A weekend of community celebrations is being planned to open the new stations, which are part of the Victorian Government’s $49.6 million investment in Bendigo Metro 3 and are being delivered as part of the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade.
Minor works at Raywood will continue in the coming weeks with car park linemarking, fencing and landscaping nearing completion, with only finishing works remaining at Huntly including landscaping.
The opening of the new stations will coincide with an extension of the Myki ticketing zone to Raywood on the Swan Hill Line, and Huntly and Goornong on the Echuca Line. Passengers will need a valid Myki for travel towards Melbourne at these stations.
The new stations join Goornong on the Echuca Line, which opened on 12 December 2021, restoring the town’s connection to rail services after almost 43 years.
Works to improve train detection technology at level crossings in Bendigo will take place while sections of the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill Lines are closed for Sunbury Line Upgrade works until Wednesday 29 June.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said, “We promised to deliver three new stations for Bendigo and that’s exactly what we’re doing – ahead of schedule.
“Whether it’s investing in the local hospital, the law courts, TAFE or upgrading local schools – we’re delivering for Bendigo.”
Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, said, “We’ve delivered upgrades to Bendigo station, delivered new trains and delivered these three new stations to get locals home safer and sooner.”
Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said, “This is great news for our local economy – these new stations will better connect people from the region into Bendigo and the rest of Victoria.”
