SRL full steam ahead - major contract awarded

2024 is a big year for Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East, with the first major contract signed and works underway right across the SRL East corridor.

Crews are ramping up construction in Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Monash, Clayton, Cheltenham and the train stabling site in Heatherton, moving underground services, relocating roads and utilities, and preparing launch sites for tunnel boring machines (TBMs). In Burwood, construction of a TBM launch site is powering ahead.

SRL East is creating 8000 direct jobs and supporting thousands of others as it delivers 26km of twin tunnels and 6 new underground stations. It will slash travel times and congestion - connecting people to new housing, employment, healthcare and education services in Melbourne’s east and south east.

A consortium of global construction experts has been awarded the contract to build the first 16km of tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley – with tunnelling to start in 2026. The contract for tunnelling from Glen Waverley to Box Hill will be awarded later this year.

SRL East will be taking passengers by 2035 – with a trip from Glen Waverley to Deakin University in Burwood taking just 5 minutes.

Join the conversation

Your ideas will help inform the strategic long-term planning for Burwood. Explore the draft vision outlining some ideas and opportunities for the future of your neighbourhood, and tell us what you think.

Help shape a bright future for your neighbourhood

Burwood locals have been given a first look at what neighbourhoods around Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East stations could look like, as planning for the city-shaping project progresses.

As part of extensive community consultation, a Draft Precinct Vision for Burwood has been released for feedback, building on important conversations we’ve been having with residents about the future of the neighbourhood.

New concept images show how the station plaza and surrounding area could evolve, building on the characteristics of the existing community - with vibrant and attractive public spaces, affordable and quality housing options, retail and dining.

SRL will not only transform our public transport network, it will help shape how Melbourne grows in the decades ahead. The draft vision outlines preliminary ideas and opportunities for the broad area around the new Burwood station, taking in parts of Burwood, Ashwood and Box Hill South.

More homes for Victorians

Across Australia, finding an affordable home is harder than ever. Victoria’s Housing Statement outlines a plan to address housing supply and the Victorian Government has set a target to build 800,000 homes over the next decade. SRL is an important part of the solution – delivering more housing options on the doorstep of great public transport where people want to live – close to jobs and local services.

Have your say on the future of Burwood

In Burwood, the new SRL station will become a focal point for the community, with shops and restaurants attracting students, residents and visitors. Walking and cycling paths will connect to natural features including Gardiners Creek and Lundgren Chain Reserve.

Upcoming works in Burwood

Construction of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site is now underway – excavators, cranes and pile-drilling rigs are digging a 19m deep, 38m long and 29m wide space for TBMs to start work in 2026. Crews will also move power, sewer and gas services. We’re also building a network support facility in Burwood to support the TBMs and later to power the SRL East trains and signalling. An Urban Design Landscape Plan for this infrastructure will open for community feedback soon.