The final tunnelling contract for the first stage of the Allan Labor Governments’ Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is now locked in, as early works power ahead at six station sites for a project that will deliver 70,000 more homes where people want to live.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson today announced the contract award at the site of the future Box Hill SRL station – where construction workers are working around the clock to build a new bridge that will keep cars and pedestrians moving while machines dig underneath.
Global consortium Terra Verde was the successful bidder of the $1.7 billion Tunnels North contract to build 10-kilometre twin tunnels between Glen Waverley and Box Hill.
The consortium, consisting of Webuild, GS Engineering and Construction, and Bouyges Construction Australia, all carry deep experience nationally and overseas – including on the Grand Paris Express, the Forrestfield-Airport Link in Perth and the Metro Tunnel.
The Tunnels North package is the second major construction contract to be finalised for SRL, after the contract for the southern section of tunnels was awarded to Suburban Connect in 2023 – and has come in under budget.
The next step will be getting tunnel boring machines (TBMs) into the ground in 2026. The first TBMs will be launched from Burwood.
Early works are powering ahead at all six station sites and the train stabling facility in Heatherton – with major construction set to kick off at the site of the new SRL station in Clayton in the coming weeks.
The three other main works contracts are well progressed, with three world-leading bidders shortlisted to build the six accessible underground stations, which will help move 70,000 passengers a day.
The three consortiums will bid for two contracts – the first contract to build the stations at Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill, and the second contract to build the stations at Cheltenham, Clayton and Monash.
The first consortia is comprised of John Holland, Arup Australia Projects, and Kellogg Brown & Root, the second consortia is Lendlease Construction (Southern) and WSP Australia and the final consortia is CPB Contractors, Multiplex Constructions and GHD.
Two bidders are also vying for the Linewide contract – which includes building the trains, fitout of the tunnels and operation of the network.
Works are powering ahead at Box Hill, with 13 locally-made concrete beams the size of trams installed on Whitehorse Road.
The 28.5-metre-long beams – produced in Melton – will support the temporary bridge that will allow drivers and pedestrians to keep moving while the new SRL station is built underneath.
Large, new open spaces are also on the way for the community to offset areas of Box Hill Gardens which will close during major works. Consultation is now open for people to help design an additional half hectare of temporary open space at Victoria Crescent in Mont Albert.
By 2026, there will be 4,000 workers on SRL East, with four tunnel boring machines in the ground, twin tunnels being built, major contracts awarded and major construction underway at every one of the six station sites.
SRL will give more than 70,000 passengers everyday time back in their day – getting thousands of cars off the road and getting them to work, school or home faster.
No matter where you live – whether it’s Frankston, Footscray or Fawkner – SRL means more time to do the things you love – rather than being stuck in traffic or navigating buses.
SRL is also Australia’s largest housing project – it will help deliver 70,000 more homes exactly where they’re needed, right next door to jobs, services and public transport.
Despite the project being backed by Victorians at two consecutive elections, the Liberal Party oppose the Suburban Rail Loop.
That means the Liberals will sack thousands of workers, throw away the chance to revolutionise our public transport system, and block thousands of homes from being built for young Victorians.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
“The Suburban Rail Loop is a project Victorians want and need – it will slash travel times, build more homes and give Victorians more time in their day to do the things they love.”
As stated by Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson
“Suburban Rail Loop is more than just a transport project, it will deliver thousands more homes so that young Victorians have the chance to live where they grew up.”
As stated by Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon
“The Suburban Rail Loop will deliver jobs, better transport connections and more homes for Melbourne’s growing population.”
As stated by Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy
“This will transform the way people move across Melbourne – and it will also deliver more homes in our community.”
As stated by Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer
“SRL will help thousands more people get to and from Box Hill every day on public transport – that gets cars off local roads.”
