Parkville progress takes shape

Work on the Metro Tunnel’s new Parkville Station has begun the new year in earnest after many project milestones were achieved during 2020.

One of these landmarks was achieved just before Christmas when tunnel boring machine (TBM) Joan completed the one-kilometre section from Parkville to State Library Station.

TBM Meg – following the same course – is expected to arrive at State Library Station soon.

The Metro Tunnel will create a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury in Melbourne’s west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the south-east, running through twin 9km tunnels between Kensington and South Yarra.

The Parkville Station will mean train passengers can arrive right on the doorstep of Victoria’s world-renowned education, health and research precinct.

The Metro Tunnel will enhance access to the University of Melbourne and facilities such as The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Once the TBMs left the Parkville Station box, construction continued on remaining slab and wall structural works.

Excavation continues for the Royal Parade station entrance, the retail area and the north-east emergency exit area.

Construction across our worksites is progressing well but there is still a lot of hard work to be done during the next few years to ensure the project is completed as safely and quickly as possible.

The Metro Tunnel Project remains on course to be completed in 2025, a year ahead of schedule.

Traffic changes are in place as part of Metro Tunnel works, and drivers and public transport passengers are encouraged to plan ahead before travelling.

There will be changes to how vehicles and pedestrians move around the Metro Tunnel site on Grattan St West in Parkville, between Flemington Rd and Elizabeth St/Royal Parade from end February 2021 •