Metro Tunnel mega-machines on the home stretch

The Metro Tunnel Project has almost reached the three-quarter mark of building the nine-kilometre-long twin tunnels that will create a new train line running under Melbourne.

The project’s second TBM Meg – named after Australian cricket captain Meg Lanning – recently broke through at State Library Station after completing the one-kilometre section from Parkville Station.

Tunnelling is now moving into the final stages, with three out of four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) on their last leg towards Town Hall Station in the CBD.

TBM Joan – named after Victoria’s first female Premier, Joan Kirner – has been relaunched from State Library Station towards Town Hall Station, and TBM Meg will soon follow the same course.

The project’s third and fourth TBMs, Millie and Alice, were relaunched from Anzac Station under St Kilda Rd in December and January to tunnel towards Town Hall Station.

The arrival of all four TBMs at Town Hall Station later this year will mark the end of tunnelling, stretching from the eastern entrance in South Yarra out to the western entrance in Kensington.

When the Metro Tunnel Project is completed in 2025, some of Melbourne’s busiest metropolitan train lines – Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham – will run exclusively on the new line.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said, “The Metro Tunnel Project will transform the way we move around Melbourne, connecting key locations including the Parkville medical and education precinct, St Kilda Rd and the Arden Urban Renewal Precinct.” 

Colourful creation helps CBD get back on track

The Metro Tunnel is helping the creative industry to recover from the challenges of COVID-19 by using art to brighten its worksites.

The latest installation to brighten up the city is Emma Coulter’s artwork that adorns the City Square acoustic shed.

Emma’s design has transformed the top half of the 90m-long City Square acoustic shed on Swanston St into one of her trademark colourful, kaleidoscopic creations.

Fitzroy-based street-art studio Juddy Roller worked with Emma to engage artists to paint the work on the shed over the last few weeks in February.

Emma’s previous installations include commissions in the US, Germany and Sydney, but this is her first large-scale public artwork in Melbourne, where she is based.

The Metro Tunnel Project’s Creative Program features artworks on hoardings at worksites and creative wayfinding to support nearby businesses.

These help to maintain Melbourne’s vibrancy while work continues on this transformational project, which will bring more trains to and from suburbs across Melbourne.

Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said, “This artwork shows it’s possible to continue work on a huge, city-shaping project such as the Metro Tunnel in the middle of the CBD while also helping to support our creative industries and businesses in the city centre.” •