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 works in Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Monash, Clayton and the train stabling site in Heatherton, relocating roads and utilities, and preparing launch sites for tunnel boring machines. This year construction will kick off in Cheltenham with underground services being moved to pave the way for station construction.

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 Cheltenham to Monash University taking around 10 minutes.

Join the conversation

Your ideas will help inform the strategic long-term planning for Cheltenham. 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

Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham station, taking in parts of Cheltenham, Highett and Pennydale.

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 Cheltenham

In Cheltenham, a new public square spanning both sides of Bay Road could bring together Southland Shopping Centre and Sir William Fry Reserve, with a network of open spaces and community areas.

Upcoming works in Cheltenham

Early construction will kick off in Cheltenham this year, with crews moving underground services to make way for construction of the new underground station and twin tunnels.

We’ll also be talking to the community about options to create a vibrant network of public open spaces as works start in Sir William Fry Reserve.