More than $7 billion in contracts for the Metro Tunnel project in Melbourne have been signed, with the Andrews Government announcing major deals for the tunnels and stations package, and the rail systems contract on Monday, December 18.
$6 billion in contracts to deliver the tunnels and stations package of works have been signed by the Cross Yarra Partnership – a consortium of Lendlease Engineering, John Holland, Bouygues Construction and Capella Capital.
“This is an amazing project and we can’t wait to deliver it for the people of Melbourne,” John Holland chief executive Joe Barr said.
“There will be revitalised open space above ground at all stations and additional entrances to reduce crowding on CBD streets. By enabling more workers easy access to the busy city area, the benefits will flow to businesses, employees, and the economy at large.”
A further $1.1 billion contract for the rollout of high-capacity signalling in the Metro Tunnel was signed by a partnership of CPB Contractors and Bombardier Transportation.
The high capacity signalling will allow the new fleet of 65 High Capacity Metro Trains – being deliverd by a Downer/CRRC team – to run from Sunbury to Cranbourne and Pakenham, through the new Metro Tunnel, at two-to-three trains per minute.
“We are building the world-class turn up and go train network Victoria deserves,” Premier Daniel Andrews said,” with more jobs, more stations and more trains, more often. We don’t just talk about building the big roads and public transport Victoria needs – we’re getting it done.”
“We’re not wasting a minute delivering the Metro Tunnel, which will create jobs and a new community on the doorstep of the CBD,” transport minister Jacinta Allan added.
CPB Contractors parent company CIMIC Group welcomed the signalling contract news, saying it would add approximately $312 million to the company’s revenue.
“With a strong history of delivering major rail infrastructure in Australia, CIMIC Group has brough together a team with extensive local knowledge and international experience to ensure the project’s objectives are realised,” CIMIC boss Michael Wright said.