Engineering, Passenger Rail

Melbourne Metro development ramped up

Melbourne Metro cutaway - Photo Victorian Government

The Victorian Government is ramping up work on the Melbourne Metro Rail Project, with geotechnical investigations on Swanston St starting this week.

Transport minister Jacinta Allan was among representatives at the first CBD geotechnical site on Wednesday.

Over the coming months investigations will take place along the Swanston St alignment that will carry turn-up-and-go train services under the centre of the city.

The investigations will provide information about ground conditions and soil quality, which will inform the precise alignment, depth and design of the new rail tunnels and underground stations.

“We’re getting on with it, starting geotech investigations on Swanston Street and ramping up community engagement,” Allan said.

Melbourne Metro Rail Authority has set up its Twitter (@mmrailproject), and its new website now live: www.mmrailproject.vic.gov.au

“I encourage everyone to jump on the website, have a chat with the Melbourne Metro Rail team at a pop-up session and find out more about why this project is so important to our train system, our city and our future.”

The first project newsletter is currently being distributed to 100,000 properties along the alignment, and the Authority will be stationed at various locations in the CBD this week providing information and speaking to people about the benefits of the project and what it means for commuters and the local community, Allan said.

“If we don’t build Melbourne Metro Rail, our city will eventually grind to a halt. This project unlocks our rail network and unblocks the City Loop, allowing 20,000 more people to catch the train at the busiest times.”