Melbourne Metro Tunnel – Rail Network Alliance

The Metro Tunnel is a major enhancement to Melbourne's rail network and will need to integrate with the existing system, that we currently operate.

The Metro Tunnel will bring more trains to the suburbs and reduce travel times by running the busy Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines through a new tunnel. By untangling the City Loop, more trains can run more often across Melbourne.

The Metro Tunnel will create capacity on the network to enable more than a half a million additional passengers per week across Melbourne’s train network to use the rail system during the peak periods.

John Holland has been heavily involved with the Metro Tunnel project. The scope has included several contracts:

• $324 Early Works contract: utility service relocation and works to prepare construction sites.
• $6 billion Tunnels and Stations contract (link to Melbourne Metro tunnel page) as part of the Cross Yarra Partnership with Lendlease, Melbourne Metro, Bouygues Construction, John Laing and Capella Capital.
• $1 billion Rail Infrastructure Alliance in partnership CPB Contractors and AECOM, Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) and Metro Trains Melbourne was awarded in 2018. The scope includes works at the eastern and western portals including cut and cover tunnelling, decline structures, turnbacks and local reconfiguration and realignment of existing lines.
• In 2022, we are delivering the remaining rail infrastructure works package as part of the Rail Network Alliance with CPB Contractors, Alstom, AECOM, RPV and Metro Trains Melbourne. This contract will also include rail systems design (including conventional signalling, high-capacity signalling, train and power control systems and operational control systems), installation works, rail systems integration and commissioning.