The Metro Tunnel is the biggest transformation of Melbourne’s rail network since the City Loop opened in 1981. It includes twin 9km tunnels under Melbourne’s CBD with 5 new underground stations.
The new tunnels create an end-to-end train line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne and Pakenham in the southeast, and connects the rail network to Parkville and St Kilda Road for the first time.
The Metro Tunnel connects to the wider metro rail network with interchanges, including between Flinders Street Station and the new Town Hall Station and between Melbourne Central Station and the new State Library Station.
The Metro Tunnel includes a new High Capacity Signalling system that has been installed through the tunnel and on sections of the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines.
The system allows trains to travel closer together and is the first step towards a metro-style rail network with 'turn up and go' train services.
Upgrades across the network to maximise the benefits of the new tunnel include a new signal control centre in Sunshine, power and track upgrades, platform extensions and more train stabling.
The project has also built new tram stops at Parkville, new bike lanes on St Kilda Road near Anzac Station and a new park at the tunnel’s eastern entrance. Other work will include adding more bike parking spaces and landscaping and revamping the City Square in Melbourne’s CBD.
The Metro Tunnel Project includes 5 new underground train stations:
- Arden – at the centre of North Melbourne’s major urban development precinct.
- Parkville – on Grattan Street, near major hospitals and the University of Melbourne.
- Anzac – on St Kilda Road near the Shrine of Remembrance.
- State Library – at the northern end of Swanston Street, connected to Melbourne Central Station.
- Town Hall – at the southern end of Swanston Street, connected to Flinders Street Station.
The stations give Victorians better access to universities, hospitals and jobs across Melbourne and allow for easy interchange to City Loop services.
The Metro Tunnel gives all Victorians more ways to move around Melbourne with new connections and more choice.
By creating a second rail line under the city, the Metro Tunnel will ease congestion in the City Loop for more reliable services on other lines.
It gives passengers on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines a turn-up-and-go service.
The Metro Tunnel is a vital step towards future improvements across Melbourne’s rail network.
The Metro Tunnel Project’s cost is $13.48b.
This figure does not include extra funding from the project’s major contractor.
The cost of the project has increased by around 23% from its original budget in 2016 due to a number of unexpected factors. including the COVID-19 pandemic. By comparison the cost of construction in Victoria has increased by around 22% since 2021.
