This consortium will deliver USD 1bn Rail Infrastructure Alliance (RIA) works package, including works on train lines out in the suburbs to enhance the benefits of the Metro Tunnel and to take full advantage of the extra capacity.

The new Parkville station will connect the health precinct and University of Melbourne to the metropolitan rail network for the first time.

A new high-capacity signalling will allow trains to pass through the new entrances every two to three minutes in each direction. 

Around 1000 people are expected to work on the RIA package, which is part of the USD 11bn project. Site preparations ahead of portal construction will begin later this year, with most RIA works due to be finished in line with the completion of the tunnels and stations, by the end of 2025.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said: “The Metro Tunnel will deliver more trains, more often to the outer suburbs and slash travel times to some of Melbourne’s key health, education, jobs and tourism hubs.”

Todd Battley, chief executive at AECOM in Australia and New Zealand added: “With Melbourne leading Australia’s cities in terms of population growth, the Metro Tunnel Project is critical to keeping the city moving, and Victoria growing.

“The Victorian Government has demonstrated a great vision to deliver the Metro Tunnel and we can’t wait to get started with our partners.”

The main tunnelling for the Metro Tunnel project will comprise twin 9km-long, 7m o.d. running tunnels tunnels will be constructed by TBM at a depth of up to 42m through a range of ground conditions, including rock, sands, clays and silt. The TBMs will also underpass two waterways: the Yarra River and Moonee Ponds Creek.