The Metro Tunnel Project has entered a new phase of testing, putting the tunnel’s systems through their paces to ensure they are ready to deliver more trains, more often across the city in 2025.
Since July, new 7-carriage trains have travelled around 9,500km back-and-forth throughout the twin 9km tunnels and 5 underground stations, deep under the CBD and Yarra River.
The crew is working 130 shifts around the clock testing the new high-capacity trains and signalling and communications systems, as well as high-tech equipment such as platform screen doors, to ensure they are working seamlessly and safely, ready for passenger services.
There are now 4 test trains in the tunnel and the first test train to enter and exit the tunnel recently completed its maiden journey from Footscray on the Sunbury Line to Hawksburn on the Cranbourne/Pakenham Line and back again.
The comprehensive testing program will stretch into mid-2024 before trial operations start. This will see practice runs of timetabled services with drivers and station staff.
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 north west of Melbourne to the south east, freeing up space in the City Loop to run more trains across the city and suburbs and connecting Victorians to jobs, health and education.