Authority and preferred route confirmed for Suburban Rail Loop

The Victorian Government has confirmed the preferred stage one route and dedicated a new authority to deliver the Suburban Rail Loop.

A Registration of Interest process for local and global firms has also begun to establish the best team to build the project from 2022.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan have confirmed the preferred alignment and station precinct locations from Cheltenham to Box Hill for the Suburban Rail Loop.

The design and delivery of the project will be lead by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority.

The new authority will start its work this week and be headed by incoming Chief Executive Nick Foa, who has extensive experience in infrastructure, planning and government administration.

Mr. Foa and his team will immediately begin consultation with local government, universities and other key institutions and stakeholders on options for where stations will be located in the precincts.

Mr. Foa said he is excited to work on this once in a generation project.

“The project will create stronger connections between suburban Melbourne, create more open spaces and provide new opportunities for business in the suburbs,” he said.

The final project will connect every metropolitan train line from Cheltenham to Werribee, create a rail link to the airport and build three transport hubs at Clayton, Broadmeadows and Sunshine to connect regional passengers to the loop.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the new authority will ensure the biggest public transport project in the state’s history becomes a reality.

“The Suburban Rail Loop will better connect Victorians to jobs, education and each other.”