A NEW train station at Epsom will be operational before the end of the year.
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Transport Minister Terry Mulder visited Epsom on Tuesday to announce that construction would start on the project within months.
Plans for the new station include a 160-metre platform with shelters, ticketing services, bicycle hoops, a bus stop and parking for 100 cars.
It is the first time Epsom will have a working railway station in 40 years.
The announcement was first made in 2010, with Mr Mulder yesterday saying that level crossing upgrades had caused delays on the works.
"I am excited to announce that the station will be up and running before the end of the year," he said.
"We make no apologies that it took longer; we have been carrying out upgrades at 13 level crossings in the area because we know if this doesn't occur, it's a recipe for disaster.
"We wanted to make it safe before we proceeded with construction."
It is expected that about 65 people will use the railway station each day, with four services provided each day.
Mr Mulder said additional services would be added over time.
We wanted to make it safe before we proceeded with construction.
- Terry Mulder
Liberal candidate for Bendigo East Greg Bickley said the project, worth $9 million, was being delivered before time and on budget.
"This is a great vote of confidence in the growth of our region," he said.
"We will continue to deliver similar infrastructure across the region as part of the regional rail link."
Upgrades to the Eaglehawk Railway Station will also commence soon, which includes the lengthening of the platform to allow for longer carriages.
"We want to make sure these services are accessible to all walks of life and are committed to tying in the inter-metro services with the regional rail link," Mr Mulder said.