The Carroll Labor Government is building the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) and making every dollar count.
Tunnelling has begun on schedule.
Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Alice’ is now tunnelling from Burwood to Glen Waverley.
The second machine, ‘Hacia’, is in the ground and will start excavating the second twin tunnel in coming weeks.
In a Victorian first, the TBMs are being launched using an ‘umbilical method’ due to the confined space of the site – where the front part of the TBM starts tunnelling, while the rest of the machine is gradually built behind it.
TBM Alice is named after musician Alice Ivy, and TBM Hacia after construction industry trailblazer Hacia Atherton.
A third machine will launch from Clarinda this year, with more launching next year from Burwood towards Box Hill and from Heatherton to Cheltenham.
Once open in 2035, the SRL will slash travel times and cut congestion for working families – while connecting people to Monash and Deakin by rail for the first time.
The SRL is on time and now it’s under budget – with construction powering ahead at every station site.
Labor has identified $1 billion in immediate project savings and is commissioning an independent technical review to target a further $1 billion in savings.
Jess Wilson’s Liberal-One Nation Coalition cuts plan would cost billions and see thousands of workers sacked.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward
“Tunnelling is powering ahead on this important project for Victoria, as Labor gets on with building our much-needed orbital rail.”
“We’ll deliver the Suburban Rail Loop on time and under budget.”
As stated by Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon
“Labor is moving the Suburban Rail Loop forward, with tunnelling now underway in Burwood.”
As stated by Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer
“The Suburban Rail Loop means a stronger Box Hill, with better connections, faster trips, and more local jobs.”
As stated by Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy
“Labor is making this important project happen, with tunnelling towards Glen Waverley underway.”
As stated by Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“SRL will slash travel times and cut congestion for families across Melbourne’s south-east.”
As stated by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
“Connecting key train lines across our south-east will be a game changer for local residents – cutting travel times and easing congestion on our roads.”
As stated by Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
“Families will benefit from faster trips and less time stuck in traffic, with Labor getting on and delivering the Suburban Rail Loop.”
