The Andrews Labor Government’s landmark Metro Tunnel project has reached another major milestone, with Anzac Station’s tram stop on St Kilda Road now open – the very first part of the project to be ready for passengers.
Crews have been working around the clock for more than three weeks to realign the tram tracks on both sides of the main entrance to the new underground train station near the Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road.
When the Metro Tunnel and Anzac Station open to passengers a year ahead of schedule in 2025, the new tram stop will become Melbourne’s first direct train/tram interchange – linking passengers to their next journey with escalators, stairs and lifts to the station platforms.
Catering to Melbourne’s busy event schedule, the extra-long platforms will accommodate up to four trams at a time to cater for large crowds at events like Anzac Day and the Grand Prix, while passengers will be sheltered by a canopy that blends with the greenery of St Kilda Road and fills the train station concourse below with natural light.
The St Kilda Road tram tracks and traffic lanes have now been realigned three times to allow people to continue using this bustling thoroughfare while construction of the station continues below. The traffic lanes will be shifted for a final time in 2024 once construction on the station nears completion.
Below the tram tracks, Anzac Station will provide a direct train connection to iconic Melbourne destinations like the Shrine and the Royal Botanic Gardens for the first time, taking pressure off trams on St Kilda Road/Swanston Street – the world’s busiest tram corridor – and cutting travel times for the 33,000 people working in the St Kilda Road precinct.
The train station is continuing to take shape – with mechanical and electrical systems being installed, and work already underway on infrastructure including lifts, escalators, security systems, CCTV and passenger information displays.
Through the nine-kilometre twin tunnels, the project has marked another major milestone – with crews starting to lay the 18 kilometres of track alongside the world-class signalling, communications and power equipment that will allow test trains to begin running through the Metro Tunnel in the second half of next year.
Once complete, the Metro Tunnel will create capacity for more than a half a million extra peak passengers each week, saving people up to 50 minutes a day on a return trip. From 2029, the Metro Tunnel and SRL Airport will allow passengers to catch a train from the CBD to Melbourne Airport in around 30 minutes.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
“The first part of the Metro Tunnel project is now open to passengers, connecting people in the bustling St Kilda Road precinct to better tram connections – and it won’t be long until Anzac Station opens below to deliver seamless journeys on the Metro Tunnel.”
As stated by Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We’re a year ahead of schedule on the Metro Tunnel project, and Victorians can now see and experience the first part of the project on their everyday journeys – as work steams ahead on the rail tunnels below.”
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“Trams are back along St Kilda Road, and with longer platforms and better amenity for passengers, we’re building the world-class public transport system Victorians deserve.”
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“As part of the world’s busiest tram corridor, it’s fantastic to see the new Anzac Station tram interchange open for business connecting people to work, healthcare and some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks.”
