Burwood blitz as SRL powers ahead

Back to Newsfeed

The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site in Burwood is taking shape as part of a blitz of works in the area ahead of tunnelling starting in 2026 and major construction of the new underground station.

The TBM launch site at Burwood is now more than 3m deep – when it’s finished, it will be 19m deep, 38m long and 29m wide. Two TBMs will launch in 2026 travelling south to Glen Waverley – they'll be later followed by another 2 TBMs heading north to Box Hill.

Drivers will need to plan ahead with disruptions to Burwood Highway adjacent to Deakin University ramping up so workers can safely move underground services as quickly as possible. Motorists travelling in both directions should allow extra time, with some westbound lane closures expected to continue until the end of the year.

The first tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for SRL East will begin arriving on site next year – and will be in the ground in 2026.

More than 1400 people are already working on SRL East, with construction powering ahead at all 6 station sites from Cheltenham to Box Hill and the train stabling facility in Heatherton.

Up to 8000 jobs are being created during construction of SRL East. Expressions of Interest from women to operate one of the SRL TBMs close on Friday 4 October.

Final negotiations are also underway with the preferred bidder for the second tunnelling package to tunnel between Glen Waverley and Box Hill – and that contract is expected to be awarded soon.

SRL will not only transform our public transport system, but also deliver more homes right where they’re needed – with a long-term vision for 70,000 extra homes in the areas around the 6 SRL East stations, including more housing choice on the doorstep of Deakin University.

SRL East will be taking passengers by 2035.

Suburban Rail Loop