Early construction of Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East is well underway in Glen Waverley, where crews have been using a micro-tunnelling machine in Coleman Parade to move underground water pipes away from the SRL station construction zone.
The micro-tunnelling technology minimises the need for open-cut trenching - reducing disruption for pedestrians, drivers and local businesses.
The new underground SRL station at Glen Waverley will be one of the most well-connected on the metropolitan network when it opens by 2035 - with rail lines in three directions, and SRL offering a turn-up-and-go service.
With SRL East, it will take students from Glen Waverley just 3.5 minutes to get to the station at Monash University and 5 minutes to get to Deakin University.
More than 600 residential properties and businesses in Glen Waverley have been updated about the water pipe relocation works, with access to homes and businesses maintained.
SRL East works are also underway in Burwood, the stabling site in Heatherton, and will start later this year in Box Hill, Monash, and continue in Clayton.
Power, gas, telecommunications and sewer services are being moved across the rail corridor to make way for the 26 kms of twin tunnels and six new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill.
Up to 8000 jobs will be created during construction of SRL East, with exciting opportunities for training, local industry and suppliers.
Three global bidders have been shortlisted to build the tunnels, with the first contract to be awarded later this year.