Massive shed finished as 24/7 digging starts on Metro Tunnel

The first of three massive sheds to be built in the CBD to reduce noise, dust and light from construction of the Metro Tunnel is now complete, making way for round-the-clock construction to begin on the new Town Hall Station.

The shed is made from 290 tonnes of steel, is more than 20 metres high, 70 metres long and will fully enclose construction activity as 24-hour works begin to dig the 11-storey shaft, ahead of tunnelling between the two CBD stations starting later this year.

Construction of another acoustic shed at A’Beckett Street is well underway and expected to be completed by mid-2018. Later in the year, a huge shed will also be built at City Square.

Each shed will be custom built and will help to minimise impacts from construction on nearby residents, businesses and the local community.

The State Library Station precinct will create 3,500 square metres of new public space. The design includes an increase in trees across the precinct, particularly at Franklin and A’Beckett streets.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the Metro Tunnel will “untangle” the City Loop, creating more space for more trains to and from the suburbs across Melbourne.

“Inside this massive shed excavation is underway to build the new State Library Station. That’s good news for passengers, and for Victorian workers and industries.”

It will create up to 7,000 jobs and source 90 per cent of materials locally – including 93 per cent local steel.

Photo: Twitter / @bpreiss