Victoria’s largest public transport project - the Suburban Rail Loop - marks new major milestones with the announcement of the preferred route for Stage 1 and the establishment of a new dedicated authority that will deliver the project.
This recent announcement confirms the alignment as well as station precinct locations from the Cheltenham to Box Hill section of the Suburban Rail Loop.
“This dedicated new authority will ensure the biggest public transport project in our state’s history becomes a reality,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority was established to lead the design and delivery of this massive project and the team is set to commence work immediately, starting with consultation with the local government, universities as well as other key institutions and stakeholders regarding the location of stations in the precincts.
“I’m excited to work on this once in a generation project, which will create stronger connections between suburban Melbourne, create more open spaces and provide new opportunities for business in the suburbs,” Suburban Rail Loop Authority Chief Executive Nick Foa said.
The Suburban Rail Loop is a 90-kilometre rail ring that will connect metropolitan train lines from Cheltenham to Werribee; provide a rail link to Melbourne Airport; and build three transport super hubs at Clayton, Broadmeadows and Sunshine to provide links for regional passengers to the Suburban Rail Loop.
In addition, the project will also deliver up to 20,000 jobs during its construction phase.
Registrations of Interest (ROIs) process commenced in June of this year and major construction is set to begin in 2022.
“Right now we’re delivering the West gate Tunnel, removing level crossings, upgrading suburban roads, getting on with the Metro Tunnel - the Suburban Rail Loop is the next step in the future of our transport network,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
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Source: Premier of Victoria; Suburban Rail Loop Authority; The Age; Inside Construction