Growing communities around Bendigo will be connected to train services sooner, with the Andrews Labor Government announcing new stations at Huntly and Raywood will open to passengers in mid-July – months ahead of schedule.
Huntly Station will open almost a year ahead of its original completion date of mid-2023, while Raywood 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 Saturday, 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 Sunday, 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 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 line-marking, 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.
Timetables for the new stations will be available at vline.com.au, ptv.vic.gov.au and the PTV journey planner app from Friday 1 July. Kerang and Swan Hill coach departure will be adjusted from Sunday 17 July to align with the new train timetable and ensure connections are maintained.
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.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
“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.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“We’ve delivered upgrades to Bendigo station, delivered new trains and delivered these 3 new stations to get locals home safer and sooner.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“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.”
