Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the Doncaster Rail Study proposed corridor themes. The feedback period is now closed.
The next opportunity to provide feedback will be on the draft recommendations report. Please check back for more information.
Option 2 via Kew would provide the best option in my opinion as it would serve existing passenger catchments along its route. Whilst Option 1 along the Eastern Freeway may be the most direct it serves no walkable catchment and is therefore less likely to attract as much patronage as the Kew route. Providing large carparks or high rise development at Eastern Freeway interchanges would not be a desirable outcome in my opinion.
The Kew route could also make use of the former Kew railway alignment from Hawthorn Station which still exists as a linear park. The line could be placed in a cutting to avoid level crossings or could even be placed in a cut and cover tunnel to minimise impacts to residential amenity. The current VicRoads office at the site of the former Kew Railway Station offers the perfect location for redevelopment with a new railway station that could be integrated as part of a new development for the site.
From Kew Junction to Doncaster the line would need to be placed in a tunnel, however tunnelling would also be required for the Eastern Freeway route between Bulleen Road and Doncaster Hill.
I understand that to provide the Doncaster Rail alignment via Kew and Hawthorn there would need to be a 4th track added between Burnley and Hawthorn stations to ensure there is sufficient capacity available for the service. I understand there is existing width available in the reservation to provide this.
Agreed,
The Burnley-Kew-Doncaster option looks like it will have the most uptake with commuters and alleviate stress on the tram routes through Kew Junction and road congestion in the area. The tunnel for this option will be longer than the Bulleen Rd-Doncaster Hill tunnel along the Eastern Fwy but will be a better investment in the long term. The stations along this alignment could be Kew Junction, Kew East, Burke Rd, Balwyn Nth, Doncaster terminus.
Take the train to the people!
I agree with the doncaster to kew rail tunnel would attract the most people to the rail link.
I currently use the kew tram it is extremely busy in peak hour and I would imagine with a fast rail to the city many people would not drive to the city any more
Regards
Scott