Rowville-Rail-Study-Final-Stage-1-Report-FINAL

passenger capacity may also be required.
Final Stage 1 Feasibility Report
A Rowville rail line concept
By 2021, demand on the Dandenong line alone is expected to need 28 six-car trains per
hour. Longer trains would reduce this requirement but is in turn dependent on building the
Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel. Once complete, the Dandenong line upgrades and the
Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel would provide additional capacity which could be used by
Rowville trains.
In the very longer term, the Dandenong line may again reach capacity (with or without a
Rowville rail line). To accommodate long term growth it is proposed that works undertaken
along the corridor (e.g. grade separations, station improvements) should create room for
more tracks to be built in the future.
6.2 Physical details of the rail line
The Rowville rail line would provide a high quality heavy rail link to Monash and Knox
communities. Whilst modern conventional buildings generally have a 50-year lifespan, the
new rail line and its related infrastructure would function significantly beyond this timeframe,
to 100+ years. It is extremely important to consider sustainable outcomes and mitigating
environmental impacts, especially ongoing impacts like noise, vibration and visual intrusion.
It is also essential to pre-empt required adaptation of buildings and infrastructure in the future
against possible alterations such as changes in climate. At this initial stage, sustainability
initiatives have been considered and frameworks have been developed for both
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) and Design for Climate Change (DfCC). If the
project proceeds, these would provide the basis for successful, environmentally sustainable
outcomes during further design stages, up to completion of construction and into operation.
6.2.1 Rail alignment
Example rail alignment layout diagrams are included as part of the supporting Preliminary
Rail Design Report. It should be noted that these initial concept diagrams could change
significantly through further investigation and optimisation.
Design standards
Generally speaking the rail link would be designed to the following engineering standards:
Twin rail tracks throughout
No new level crossings
No effect on road access arrangements and traffic capacity (unless absolutely necessary)
Maximum vertical grade 2% (1 in 50)
Minimum design speed 80km/hour
Allowance for 230m long platforms (to accommodate longer trains in the longer term)
Fully compatible with the rest of the suburban rail system (broad gauge, 1500V DC power
supply, compatible signalling, etc)
Grade separated connection to the Dandenong line at Huntingdale
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