- Published:
- Tuesday 21 June 2016
Major work on the biggest public transport project in Victoria’s history will begin early next year.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan to announce that John Holland has been awarded the first major Metro Tunnel contract, which now includes excavating massive shafts in the centre of Melbourne as part of preparations for the tunnel and five new underground stations.
The $324 million works package includes the excavation of huge open shafts adjacent to Swanston Street to enable the underground construction of the two new city stations built as part of the $10.9 billion project.
The station shafts will be up to 35 metres deep – more than 11 storeys below the ground – and involve the excavation of 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of soil and rock from beneath the city.
Excavation of the CBD North Station will involve two shafts – at Franklin and A’Beckett Street – which will be covered by massive acoustic sheds to reduce noise for neighboring residents and offices. Construction of CBD South will be involve the partial demolition of the carpark underneath City Square.
Building the shafts as part of this package will enable us to get straight to work building the stations and tunnel underneath Swanston Street.
Other works in the package include the relocation and protection of up to 100 utilities, including gas, power and telecommunications services, and the 120 year old brick main sewer line under the Domain interchange.
These works will start within weeks, with work on the stations shafts to begin next year, following the conclusion of Environment Effects Statement (EES) process currently underway and formal planning approval for the project.
For more information about the Metro Tunnel early works and EES, visit www.melbournemetro.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Next year, the face of our City will change as we dig 11 storeys below the CBD, and pave the way for Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel and five new underground stations.”
“The Metro Tunnel will create the international-style train system we need, and we’re not wasting a moment –work starts within weeks, and major work will start in 2017.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan
“Passengers need more services but we can’t run more trains because the city loop is full. The Metro Tunnel will free up space in the Loop to run more trains in and out of the city every single day.”
“This is the biggest and most important public transport project in Australia – building it will cause years of disruption but bring decades of benefits. That’s why we’re getting to work and getting it done.”