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Work underway on Metro Rail

Work underway on Metro Rail

The Andrews Labor Government has announced a $1.5 billion funding injection, to commence major planning, design and surveying works for the Melbourne Metro Rail.

The funding provided in the 2015-16 Victorian budget will allow the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority to complete the reference design and undertake the statutory planning process in order to get the project started.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan made the announcement last month at the project’s first geotechnical testing site opposite the Arts Centre on St Kilda Road in Southbank.

Jacinta Allan said that geotechnical investigations would provide critical data about ground conditions and soil quality and precise information for the design of the new rail tunnels and underground stations.

“To build underground tunnels, you need to know exactly what’s underground,” she said. “That’s what geotechnical testing will tell us.”

“Over the coming months 140 boreholes will be drilled between South Kensington and South Yarra. This testing builds on previous geotechnical work undertaken for Melbourne Metro Rail.”

“This will be complemented by site surveying, underground service identification and other preparatory works.”

The funding will also provide for land acquisition, preparation of expression of interest and requests for tender documents, as well as significant early works such as tram rerouting and service relocations.

With major construction to commence in 2018, Premier Daniel Andrews said the initial funding would help to get the project moving quickly.

“Melbourne Metro Rail is the biggest public transport infrastructure project in Australia, and the biggest overhaul of our public transport system since the City Loop,” he said.

“The $1.5 billion announced today is essential in allowing us to design, plan and complete significant early works.”  

At its Future Melbourne Committee meeting on May 12, City of Melbourne councillors gave their consent to the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority to undertake the geotechnical investigation program at various locations across the municipality.

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