CONTRACT AWARDED: Rail Systems Alliance – Metro Tunnel

The Andrews Labor Government’s $11 billion Metro Tunnel project will install 55 kilometres of next-generation, high-capacity signalling (HCS) to run more trains, more often.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today to announce CPB Contractors and Bombardier Transportation will deliver the $1 billion Rail Systems Alliance, which includes the first roll-out of a high capacity signalling and communications system on an existing rail network anywhere in Australia.

HCS allows trains to safely run closer together, meaning they can run more often. The advanced technology will enable trains every two to three minutes – creating a true ‘turn-up-and-go’ train network for Melbourne.

The signalling will operate the 65 new high-capacity trains currently being built in Victoria, which will run on the Sunbury to Cranbourne-Pakenham line via the Metro Tunnel.

Dedicated control centres will be built in Dandenong and Sunshine to support the new technology. The centres will be staffed by experts who will monitor trains on the new Metro Tunnel line.

Additionally, Expressions of Interest will open this week to deliver the final major works package of Metro Tunnel –  the Rail Infrastructure Alliance (RIA).

The $1 billion contract will be to design and construct the eastern tunnel entrance in South Yarra, the western tunnel entrance in Kensington and associated works across the Sunbury to Cranbourne-Pakenham corridor, including upgrading track power and conventional signalling.