Construction is forging ahead at all six Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) stations in preparation for the start of tunneling – with the project set to significantly reduce disruption to residents and traffic around work sites.
Since contracts were awarded for the first major tunnelling section between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley, SRL has been working hard to deliver better outcomes for the community to reduce impacts with groundbreaking technology.
Following community feedback, the contractor has devised a more efficient way to reduce the impact of tunnelling on residents – with tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to be launched from a recycling site in Clarinda instead of the nearby train stabling site in Heatherton, and four TBMs to be used instead of six.
A ‘ground freezing’ technique will also be used to build safety passages between the twin tunnels below ground which will prevent disruptions for nearly 100 homes and businesses, while avoiding 90 per cent of possible road closures.
Like other major projects, the Suburban Rail Loop project team will constantly review the construction program to minimise disruption for local residents, traders and motorists and to safeguard key existing infrastructure such as major sewer lines.
In order to deliver this city-shaping project, there will be a series of community information sessions and pop-ups for people to learn more, to speak with experts and to have their say – as part of an ongoing and comprehensive SRL consultation process.
Construction is well underway on SRL East between Cheltenham and Box Hill, with more than 1,200 people working on the project ahead of tunnelling commencing in 2026, and trains taking passengers by 2035.
The Tunnels South contract to build 16 kilometres of twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley was awarded last year to Suburban Connect, a global consortium of renowned companies CPB Contractors, Ghella and Acciona Construction.
SRL East is creating up to 8,000 direct local jobs in construction, and at least 12 per cent of hours on Tunnels South section will be worked by trainees, apprentices and cadets – at least a third of these by women.
SRL will not only transform our public transport network, but bring thousands more homes, jobs and services to the areas around the new SRL stations. Locals can provide their feedback until 30 June 2024 via srlvisions.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson
“Delivering major projects of this scale requires ongoing consultation with the community and stakeholders – and we will continue to actively look for ways to minimise disruptions as much as we can.”
“This is a great outcome for the communities near Suburban Rail Loop work sites – and I can’t wait to see tunnelling get underway in 2026 so that passengers are travelling through the SRL by 2035.”
As stated by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
“It’s great to see the SRL project team applying its technical expertise and global experience to minimise construction impacts to the local community.”
