The first stage of the city-shaping Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) development in Victoria has reached new major milestones as its delivery continues to progress.
A preferred bidder to deliver the first three underground stations at Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill has been chosen. Place Alliance will be delivering the new stations as part of the Stations Alliance North Contract for SRL East.
The consortium is comprised of John Holland, Kellog Brown and Root, and Arup Australia. Detailed negotiations will now begin with Place Alliance before the contract is officially awarded next year.
Meanwhile, the two other shortlisted bidders Connexus and ESPA will now compete for the second stations contract, which will deliver the stations at Cheltenham, Clayton and Monash.
The new stations will be fully accessible, light-filled spaces with retail and dining options and featuring elements inspired by the history of the local community as well as First Nations peoples. Each station will also have a Green Star rating of at least 5 stars.
“The new SRL station at Burwood will not only create faster and easier access to Deakin University, but it will also deliver homes closer to jobs and services,” Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon said.
“The Suburban Rail Loop will transform Box Hill into one of Melbourne’s most connected precincts – delivering faster travel and more jobs to our community,” Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer said.
“Glen Waverley’s new SRL station will strengthen our local economy and make it easier for people to live, work and study right here in the east,” Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy said.
Another significant milestone for SRL East is the beginning of major construction at the Burwood Station site, with contractor Terra Verde moving on site as they prepare for tunnelling works on the northern section – which will kick off next year – that will connect Burwood and Box Hill.
A 19-metre-deep launch shaft has been built on site to support tunnelling works. This is where two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will launch from and dig towards Glen Waverley, with two more to be launched towards Box Hill.
After relocating underground services to make way for the construction of the twin tunnels, Terra Verde will now focus on building infrastructure to support tunnelling works as well as the station box for the new underground station.
The future Burwood Station will deliver a train connection to Deakin University for the first time, making it easier for tens of thousands of staff and students to access the campus each day.
The station will be integrated with local tram and bus services to connect more people within walking distance of jobs, housing, health and education services.
In addition, the new SRL Burwood Station will slash travel times. For example:
Overall, SRL will have safe, easy and accessible connectons to existing Metro stations as well as new and upgraded bus and tram interchanges, walking and cycling paths and bike parking. The new SRL stations will also support the delivery of more homes that are walking distance from jobs, health services, universities and quality open space.
Construction of SRL is creating up to 8,000 direct local jobs, with over 3,000 people already working on the project.
The delivery of Suburban Rail Loop remains on time and on budget, with crews working around the clock to prepare for the arrival of TBMs later this year – with tunnelling works to commence next year.
“The Suburban Rail Loop is a nation building project that will slash travel times and cut congestion for busy families – while delivering 70,000 more homes within walking distance of jobs, healthcare, and Australia’s largest universities,” Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Harriet Shing said.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre (1, 2); Victoria’s Big Build – Suburban Rail Loop (1, 2, 3)