Construction crews on the Metro Tunnel in Victoria have reached a huge milestone, clocking more than 40 million hours’ worth of works on the project.
The milestone comes as crews continue works on the Metro Tunnel stations in twin nine-kilometre tunnels, with the first trains to begin in the second half of 2023.
When complete in 2025, the Metro Tunnel will create capacity for more than a half a million extra passengers on the rail network every week.
The Metro Tunnel will create a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the southeast, with bigger and better trains, next generation signalling technology and five new stations in Arden Station, Parkville Station, State Library Station, Town Hall Station and Anzac Station.
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The focus of the project has now shifted from building the tunnels and stations to installing high-tech signalling, communications and other systems that allow trains to run safely.
Everything from lifts, escalators, security systems, communications, lighting, plumbing, power and the platform screen doors will also be tested over many months before the tunnel opens in 2025.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the project continues to support the local economy and community.
“Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure projects are keeping more than 20,000 people employed – and for every 100 direct jobs, an average of 200 are supported across the economy,” Allan said.