Rail Projects Victoria

Rail Projects Victoria has become the Metro Tunnel Project as we focus on final construction, testing and commissioning ahead of its opening in 2025, while the Regional Rail Revival and Melbourne Airport Rail have transferred to the Level Crossing Removal Project to focus on project development and delivery. Follow Metro Tunnel Project and Level Crossing Removal Project on LinkedIn for future updates on these projects.

We’ve achieved another major milestone on the Metro Tunnel Project. Recently we ran 12 test trains back and forth from West Footscray to Hawksburn via the tunnel over a 3-hour period. We clocked up 18 trains through the tunnel each hour for 3 hours - 54 journeys in total, with trains running as often as 2 minutes apart. These trials are part of an intensive testing program to demonstrate the reliability of Melbourne’s new high-capacity signalling system, which allows trains to safely run closer together, meaning more services can run. We couldn’t have done it without more than 90 Metro Trains Melbourne train drivers who worked across multiple shifts, plus dozens more operational staff. #MetroTunnel #Melbourne #Rail #Trains

Arden Station proudly houses a piece of Victorian Railways history 🚂 The ‘Geelong and Melbourne Railways 1857’ sandstone plaque was originally designed to commemorate Werribee Station opening but was relocated to North Melbourne in 1927 following a fire. During the 1920s, the North Melbourne precinct was a key site for Victorian Railways. The plaque was originally set in a wall of the former workshop building, which was where Arden Station stands today. Before the demolition of the old buildings in the area, the plaque was carefully preserved and handed over to heritage conservation experts for minor repairs. When Arden Station opens in 2025, passengers will be able to see it on display at the entrance in a custom display case – signifying the stations historical ties with Victorian Railways. Photo credit: State Library Victoria #MetroTunnel #Railways #History #Melbourne

It’s been more than 40 years since #Melbourne’s original tunnel boring machine – known as ‘The Mole’ – dug the #CityLoop, excavating around 900,000 cubic metres of earth along the way. And it’s now been 3 years since TBM Meg completed her journey at Town Hall Station, marking the end of tunnel boring for the #MetroTunnel Project. Our 4 TBMs shifted 1.8 million cubic metres of rock and soil in total. Melbourne’s ground conditions are notoriously dense and difficult – but are no match for these massive machines. #MelbourneConstruction #Tunnelling #TBMs

An environmental challenge became an opportunity for innovation at our Emu worksite. Protecting Foleys Creek from worksite sediment and runoff was a priority for our environmental team while we worked on extending the passing loop at Emu. Environment Advisor Dong Nguyen developed a unique waterway control and runoff barrier system using eco-friendly materials and techniques including recycled crush rock silt socks, biodegradable coir logs and natural rock beaching. These materials act like a dam, trapping sediment whilst allowing clean water to flow through. #Sustainability #Freight #RailIndustry #RailInfrastructure

The first test trains entered the Metro Tunnel in July 2023, kicking off rigorous testing of the signalling, train speed, platform screen doors and other systems. Here’s our testing program so far: 🕒 more than 1650 hours of testing and counting 🤓 600+ individual tests completed 🚇 test trains have clocked up 16,000km of travel. Later this year we’re starting trial operations, which are like a dress rehearsal. They will simulate timetabled services and a range of possible real-life scenarios with station staff, drivers and passengers. These trials will confirm that everything is ready for a safe, reliable and efficient passenger service to begin when the Metro Tunnel and 5 new stations open in 2025. #MetroTunnel #Melbourne #Trains #Rail

What was the highlight of your summer? Ours included: - In Geelong, we realigned the Surf Coast Highway, laid the foundations for the second platform at Marshall Station and installed the first 1200 metres of duplicated track between Surf Coast Highway and Waurn Ponds. - On the Murray Basin freight network, we completed major construction on a bridge that forms part of the Emu crossing loop and nearly finished building the new mobile refuelling station at Ouyen. - On the Shepparton Line, we upgraded level crossings in Seymour at High Street and in Tallarook at Schoolhouse Lane with new train detection technology – boosting safety - To prepare the Gippsland Line for a new signalling system, we lifted the first of six new signalling equipment rooms we're installing into position between Nar Nar Goon and Tynong stations. - Along the Warrnambool Line, we continued work on the level crossing upgrades including the installation of boom gates, lights and bells to improve safety at Warrowie Road in Colac. #Freight #Rail #Geelong #Gippsland

Introducing #Melbourne’s newest ‘laneway’: in the heart of #Parkville, we’re building a ‘street beneath a street’. Join RSHP senior partner Ivan Harbour for a look inside the future Parkville Station. When it opens in 2025, the station will have shops for your convenience on the way to uni, hospital, school or elsewhere. The design for the Metro Tunnel is a world-class collaboration between leading design practices Hassell, Weston Williamson + Partners and RSHP. #MelbourneConstruction #RailIndustry

Much like the iconic bird it shares a name with, the passing loop we’re extending at Emu is unique. It differs from the other passing loops we’re delivering across the Murray Basin freight network as it crosses over Foley's Creek. That meant the rail bridge needed to be widened to make space for new track. Since November, crews have worked to do just that as part of the 500-metre extension of the passing loop. Major construction on the bridge was completed last month, and our team is now focused on signalling installation. Once complete, the loop will enable two 1,200-metre freight trains to pass each other on the Yelta Line. #RailIndustry #RailInfrastructure #Freight #Construction

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day by spotlighting some of the inspirational women of Rail Projects Victoria who’ve shared their stories and reflections on this year’s themes. Read their stories and more at https://lnkd.in/g42GDHQG #CountHerIn #InvestInWomen #AccelerateProgress #iwd2024