The city-shaping Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is taking a huge leap forward, with the launch of the next major works contract to operate and maintain SRL East and fit out the 26km twin tunnels.
SRL East will deliver 6 brand new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill, with trains running by 2035 – easing congestion, slashing travel times, and creating up to 8000 jobs during construction.
Three global industry leaders have already been shortlisted to build the twin tunnels, with the first contract to be awarded next year for the tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley.
SRL has launched discussions with industry about the next major works contract – for the design, construction and operation of all tunnel systems and infrastructure – including trains, signalling, tracks, communications systems, a maintenance depot and a 15-year term to operate and maintain the entire SRL East network.
We’re talking to both local and international firms about the multi-billion dollar package, with Expressions of Interest to open next year - marking an exciting milestone in Victoria’s largest-ever infrastructure project.
The major works will follow early construction, which has been underway in Clayton since June. These preparatory works will ramp up in 2023 – extending to more SRL East station locations – including Glen Waverley, Burwood, Monash, Cheltenham, Box Hill and the stabling facility at Heatherton.
The activity will create hundreds of local jobs as part of a long pipeline of opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers. Already 30 trainees, cadets and apprentices and more than a dozen graduates have been working on the first phase of the project. Construction has also started on SRL Airport which will deliver the long-awaited rail connection to Melbourne Airport and the western section of SRL from Sunshine to Melbourne Airport – scheduled to open in 2029.