Large companies shortlisted to deliver VIC Suburban Rail Loop Stage 1

Early works will soon commence on Victoria's Suburban Rail Loop as pre-construction works progress in Melbourne's south east and three of Australia's largest construction companies shortlisted to build this city and state-shaping transport project. 

The shortlisted builders for the first stage of works include CPB Contractors, John Holland and Laing O'Rourke. The contract is expected to be awarded by the end of this year. 

The package of works will include road upgrades, relocation and protection of utilities, ground improvement trials, tram terminus works and site preparations for the massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will dig the underground rail corridor from Cheltenham to Box Hill. 

Initial and early works are scheduled to begin in 2022, creating up to 800 direct jobs. 

As part of the selection process, the three shortlisted builders will have to demonstrate how they can deliver the works as well as prioritise local jobs and commit to other key programs such as the Major Projects Skills Guarantee, Recycled First Policy and the Social Procurement Framework. 

“We said we'd get on and deliver Stage One of Suburban Rail Loop and we're not wasting a second – this early phase of construction will create hundreds of local jobs and make this important project a reality,” Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Jacinta Allan said. 

To date, over 425 boreholes have been drilled along with technical investigations between Cheltenham and Box Hill where the 26-kilometre twin tunnels are going to be built during Stage One of the project. 

In addition, hundreds of land and groundwater surveys have been conducted as well as 10,000 laboratory tests completed. Exploratory work – which is now underway – as part of planning for the twin tunnel alignment include laser and CCTV technology to help workers remotely inspect the South East Sewer. 

These works will provide information that will help plan out the six underground stations to be delivered in Stage One. The six stations are going to be located at Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill. The exact locations of the stations, entrances and other design elements are currently being finalised and further announcements will be made soon. 

“These new underground stations will deliver fast and convenient journeys – confirming the station location and entrances for Stage One brings us a step closer to starting work on this transformational project,” Minister Allan said. 

Stage One alignment (source: Suburban Rail Loop)

The entire Suburban Rail Loop development is expected to create up to 20,000 jobs over the life of the project. 

Once up and running, the 90-kilometre Suburban Rail Loop will connect every major rail line from the Frankston Line to the Werribee Line via Melbourne Airport. This provides a vital link between employment, health, education and entertainment precincts in Melbourne's middle suburbs. 

This massive development will also include three transport super hubs at Clayton, Broadmeadows and Sunshine to connect regional passengers to the Suburban Rail Loop. 

The Victorian Government has committed $2.2 billion through the 2020/21 State Budget to get the procurement process underway, buy land necessary for the TBM launches, and prepare for the construction of the rail line and underground stations during Stage One. 

“Whether it's removing dangerous level crossings, upgrading suburban roads or getting on with projects such as the Suburban Rail Loop - we're delivering a massive pipeline of infrastructure supporting thousands of jobs,” Minister Allan said. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Suburban Rail Loop (1, 2, 3); The Urban Developer