Metro Tunnel prepared for any scenario ahead of 2025 opening

Emergency services staff have descended into the Metro Tunnel to get to know the new stations and practice response procedures in case of any future emergencies.

The two-day exercise forms part of preparations to ensure the project is ready for passengers ahead of opening later this year.

More than 100 staff members from Ambulance Victoria, Fire and Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police and SES Victoria toured the new Anzac and Arden stations and participated in the emergency exercise.

This helped first responders familiarise themselves with the new stations, in case they are called upon in future for emergency assistance at one of the tunnel’s five stations.

The visits are another step towards getting the project ready to open and aim to demonstrate that the project’s systems and procedures are ready for any eventuality once passenger services begin later this year.

There are two huge programs under way on the Metro Tunnel Project – testing of all the new technology in the trains, tunnels and stations and trial operations, which is the project’s “dress rehearsal” with station staff and drivers.

These two phases will give the team confidence that the new infrastructure, systems and processes are safe and ready for passenger services.

Trial operations is different to train testing as it involves station staff, operators, maintenance staff and drivers.

More than 100 real-life exercises and scenarios, such as a train derailment and station evacuations, need to be carried out during trial operations.

Other emergency procedures as part of trial operations include smoke testing, situations involving intruders, and suspicious packages.

At the same time, the tunnels’ multiple systems are being stress-tested, including regular opening and closing of the Victorian-first platform screen doors.

Major construction has finished at Arden, Parkville and Anzac stations, while work continues at pace on Town Hall and State Library stations in the CBD, despite the incredibly challenging logistics of building two train stations up to 40 metres below the city centre.

The Metro Tunnel and its five new stations will be the biggest upgrade of Melbourne’s train network since the City Loop opened in 1981.

It will open to passengers later in 2025. •