Testing, construction milestones for Metro Tunnel

The Metro Tunnel Project has entered a new phase of train testing, with a new level access tram stop also opening as works continue on the project.

The Metro Tunnel will connect the busy Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines via the new tunnel, creating an end-to-end rail line from the northwest of Melbourne to the southeast, freeing up space in the City Loop to run more trains across the city and suburbs and providing more connections to jobs, health and education.

Testing of new high-capacity trains and signalling and communications systems, as well as high-tech equipment such as platform screen doors, will aim to ensure they are working seamlessly and safely, ready for passenger services.

New seven carriage trains have travelled around 9500 kilometres back and forth throughout the twin nine-kilometre tunnels and five underground stations since July, with four test trains recently completing a journey from Footscray on the Sunbury Line to Hawksburn on the Cranbourne/Pakenham Line and back again.

This testing program will stretch into mid-2024 before trial operations start, which will include practice runs of timetabled services with both drivers and station staff.

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The new level access tram stop doorstep of the future Parkville Station will allow people to switch easily from tram services to the train network at Parkville when the Metro Tunnel opens to passengers a year ahead of schedule.

Parkville Station will provide a direct train connection to Melbourne’s world-class health and education precinct for the first time, making the commute easier for the thousands of healthcare workers, students, patients and families.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said that every piece of infrastructure on the project is another step towards opening the Metro Tunnel a year ahead of schedule.

“The new Parkville Station isn’t just a world-class train station, it will be a game-changer for the thousands of medical staff and other workers, students, patients and families who travel to Parkville every day.”

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the level access tram stop would create more accessible and efficient public transport options for commuters.

“This new tram stop will seamlessly link tram services with the Metro Tunnel, providing new and improved connections to Parkville’s university and hospitals by public transport.”

For more information on the project, click here.