Major tunnelling work on the multi-billion-dollar Melbourne Metro Tunnel is set to increase in April following the completion of extensive geotechnical investigations.
Over the past two years, more than 270 boreholes have been drilled up to 50 metres deep along the Metro Tunnel alignment.
Soil and rock samples collected from site show that the sedimentary rock beneath the city was formed 416 to 440 million years ago.
They provide critical information about ground conditions under the city, which will inform the design and construction of the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations.
With these extensive investigations now at an end, major work is set to commence on the project.
In early April,City Square will be surrounded by hoarding and closed for several years while construction crews dig more than 11 storeys below the city to build the brand new underground station.
Construction will continue at Franklin and A’Beckett Streets in April, and in and around St Kilda Road at Domain.
The acceleration of Metro Tunnel works will coincide with a massive construction blitz across Victoria, which will affect services on the Cranbourne, Craigieburn, Frankston, Pakenham, Sandringham and South Morang lines.
There will also be disruptions on a number of regional lines, including the Geelong and Warrnambool lines which will close in mid-April to enable $4.4 million worth of track and signalling works.
Track and other infrastructure work will also affect tram services on routes 8, 12, 78 and 109 next month.