New funding of $9.3 billion from the Victorian Government is set to support construction on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East, which will get underway next year.
The funding will support the delivery 26-kilometre twin rail tunnels and six underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill as well as investment in new community projects and initiatives in the broader areas around the stations.
The 90km rail line on the SRL will link every major rail line from the Frankston Line to the Werribee Line via Melbourne Airport, better connecting Victorians to jobs, retail, education, health services and each other.
SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill will connect major employment, health, education, and retail destinations in Melbourne’s east and southeast.
Trains which will carry 70,000 passengers a day will be running on SRL East by 2035, with 8000 jobs also set to be supported by the project.
Construction starts next year, with the Business and Investment case showing SRL East and SRL North will deliver $58.7 billion in economic, social and environmental benefits.
The contract for this first phase of works has been awarded to global construction and engineering firm Laing O’Rourke. Works will include preparing sites for the launch of tunnel boring machines, moving and protecting underground services, ground improvement, geotechnical investigations and roads modifications.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the project would support local economies, as well as present local employment opportunities.
“The Suburban Rail Loop is not just a rail line – it delivers opportunities for Victorians to live close to work, more access to education and services and supports thousands of new jobs at a time our state needs them most,” he said.
For more information on the SRL East, click here.
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