Suburban Rail Loop East (SRL East) will connect our growing health, education, retail and employment precincts in Melbourne’s east and south east between Cheltenham and Box Hill.

The 26km SRL East corridor will be built as a standalone line that is integrated with the existing public transport network.

A high-tech fleet of energy efficient trains will run on the line, stopping at the six new underground stations in Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill.

Works on SRL East between Cheltenham and Box Hill are scheduled to start in 2022, subject to approvals.

Supporting businesses during construction

Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) is preparing Business Support Guidelines for construction to help businesses operate throughout the construction of SRL East and so they can take advantage of the long-term benefits and opportunities that new travel connections will bring to our growing suburbs.

Types of business support may include:

• The promotion of businesses and precincts to encourage awareness and patronage.
• Activating local precincts with tailored events and pop-ups.
• Partnering with councils, events and tourism organisations to promote business, patronage, or encourage businesses to apply for grants.
• Upskilling opportunities for businesses, including education and support programs.
• Developing business plans to help businesses build their resilience during construction and beyond.
• Targeted support including practical measures such as signage or marketing.

While developing these guidelines, SRLA is also working closely with local businesses across SRL East precincts to understand their individual circumstances and how we can best support them. Tailored assistance, and support as required to assist relocation, will be offered to businesses affected by acquisition.

Managing potential impacts on residents

SRLA is preparing Residential Support Guidelines for construction to support residents who may experience temporary impacts including noise and vibration during the delivery of SRL East. We want to minimise and manage the inconvenience and impacts of construction on local communities.

Types of residential support may include:

• Arranging respite for eligible residents.
• Noise insulation for eligible affected properties.
• Temporary alternative accommodation for eligible residents.
• Supplying earplugs or noise cancelling headphones or equipment.

Property owners near the tunnels, stations and supporting infrastructure will have the opportunity for the existing condition of their property to be assessed prior to works commencing.

Property condition surveys are routinely offered on major infrastructure projects to give property owners peace of mind before construction gets underway.

Managing impacts

As with all major infrastructure projects, surrounding communities may experience some impacts during construction.

The project will support businesses and residents to ensure people can continue to live, work, study and shop in their local community.

A range of measures will minimise and manage any potential impacts on businesses and residents, as has been done successfully for other recent major infrastructure projects in Melbourne.

Keeping you informed

Suburban Rail Loop Authority is preparing a range of guidelines to offer dedicated support to affected residents and businesses. Measures identified in these guidelines will form the basis of recommended Environmental Performance Requirements proposed as part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.

SRLA is committed to keeping residents and the community informed about works in their local area. We will regularly engage with residents, businesses and landowners to provide additional information to minimise inconvenience during project construction.

Read our translated fact sheets