The very first test trains have entered the Metro Tunnel, one in each of the twin nine-kilometre tunnels were driven through the eastern entrance of the Metro Tunnel at South Yarra, stopping at Anzac Station.
The project will connect the Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines via a new tunnel under the city, creating an end-to-end rail line from the north-west to the south-east.
Designed to free up space in the City Loop to run more trains more often to growing suburbs like Werribee, Sunbury and Frankston.
This marks the start of the Metro Tunnel’s next major testing phase inside the new tunnels and stations, which will stretch well into 2024.
Premier Daniel Andrews said this the biggest milestone to date.
“Our Metro Tunnel will change the way Victorians travel across our city, our suburbs and our state, slashing travel times and creating a turn-up-and-go network for Melbourne,” he said.
Over the coming months, the seven-carriage trains will run back-and-forth deep under the CBD and Yarra River, testing complex equipment and systems to ensure they are working seamlessly and safely.
Fundamentals – such as lining the trains up with the platforms – will be tested first, before the team gradually increases the complexity, from one train at low speed using minimal power through to multiple trains at greater speeds.
Everything from lifts, escalators, security systems, communications, lighting, plumbing, power and the Victorian-first platform screen doors will all be rigorously tested to ensure all systems are working together with Melbourne’s new fleet of bigger, better High Capacity Metro Trains.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said, “We thank the thousands of Victorians who built the tunnels, laid the track and made it possible for us to get on with the critical testing phase so we can open a year ahead of schedule – delivering more trains more often for Melbourne’s growing suburbs.”
