The Melbourne Metro rail tunnel is officially on the market with the Victorian Government today announcing it was seeking expressions of interest in the project.
The Public Private Partnership – expected to be in the range of $6 billion – will deliver the nine kilometre twin tunnels under the CBD, and the five new underground stations.
In yesterday's state budget, the government announced they would fully fund and deliver the project themselves while still holding out hope that the Federal Government would contribute to the project at some time in the future
“We can’t sit around and wait for the Federal Government to make up its mind. Melbourne needs the Metro Tunnel and we will build it – we’re getting it done," said Acting Premier James Merlino..
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the guaranteed funding has given the market the stability it needs to enter the tender process, after significant interest from some of the world’s biggest construction and engineering firms.
“Melbourne is growing, but we can’t run more trains because the City Loop is full. The Metro Tunnel will free up space in the Loop to run more trains in and out of the City,” said Minister Allen.
“We’re looking to partner with the world’s best to build the backbone of a better train system for Melbourne – the Metro Tunnels and five new stations.”
The new Metro Tunnel will give the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines their own tunnel through the CBD, which will free up space in the Loop to run more trains in and out of the City.
It includes five new underground stations, at Arden, Parkville and Domain, and two new city stations directly connected to Flinders Street and Melbourne Central. Sixty five brand new, high capacity trains will run on the line.
Early works begin next year, with the major construction delivered through this package to start in 2018, and the project set to create 3,700 Victorian jobs. The EOI process closes at 2:00pm on Thursday 9 June.
Artists impression of Melbourne Metro tunnel. Image: MMRA