Construction is set to commence soon to upgrade Victoria’s Sunbury Line in preparation for new high-capacity trains for when Metro Tunnel is fully built. The contract to deliver the first package of works on the Sunbury Line Upgrade has also been awarded, marking a new major milestone on the $2.1 billion project.
The $215 million contract has been awarded to John Holland, CPB Contractors, AECOM and Metro Trains Melbourne. The multi-million dollar package of works will include extending platforms, improve accessibility and construction of new stabling at stations along the Sunbury Line.
“The contract has been awarded and work will start within weeks. We’re not wasting a moment delivering these vital upgrades, which will pave the way for new, high-capacity trains on the Sunbury Line,” Minister for Transport infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
Later this month, site investigations will begin for platform extensions as well as for stabling upgrades, with construction to extend the platforms and stabling to commence by the end of 2019.
The $2.1 billion project will include:
- Power upgrades between Sunbury and the Metro Tunnel entrance near South Kensington station
- Platform extensions at ten stations between Sunbury and Footscray
- Installation of wheelchair boarding platforms at eight stations
- Train stabling upgrades at Sunbury, Calder Park and Watergardens
Upgrading the Sunbury Line will pave the way for the 65 new high-capacity metro trains (HCMTs) to run reliably to Sunbury once the Metro Tunnel is completed in 2025.
The MCMTs together with Metro Tunnel will enable another 113,000 passengers during peak hours to travel on the Sunbury Line each week and will also improve travel times by up to 40 minutes each day.
“Sunbury passengers will be some of the biggest beneficiaries of the Metro Tunnel and new high-capacity trains - and this project is a critical part of delivering those benefits,” Ms Allan said.
The Sunbury Line Upgrade is funded through the Victorian State Budget 2018/19. The upgrade is anticipated to be completed by 2023.
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Source: Premier of Victoria; Rail Projects Victoria; Victoria’s Big Build
