It's been a long time coming. But believe it or not, Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is opening this year. We understand if you're feeling sceptical about this – don't feel bad, the Airport Rail Link saga has given many of us trust issues. What we can guarantee is that the Metro Tunnel is currently on track to open on time, as the project has recently entered its final stage. So, it's probably okay to actually get excited now!
The final stage before the new train network is ready to open is the trial operations phase of the project. The Metro Tunnel has been in the process of testing since mid-2024, and essentially the staff are now doing practice runs of using the trains, and all the many, many other procedures that go with opening a brand-new, massive piece of transport infrastructure.
Trial operations include carrying out 200 different 'procedure validation exercises', trialling everything from radio communications to fire evacuations. Three of the five new underground train stations (namely Anzac, Parkville and Arden) are ready to open, so staff are able to conduct these trials in fully-functioning stations.
The trials will also make sure that the swish new technology being used, like the automated glass doors on platforms and live real-time train updates on the digital screens, are functioning flawlessly.
Construction works are still ongoing on the last two stations to be completed, Town Hall and State Library, forcing the closure of the busiest section of Flinders Street for most of this year. Town Hall station will also include the new City Square, which will finally be reopened after a major makeover.
If you're still wrapping your head around exactly what the Metro Tunnel is, don't worry, you're not alone. Here's a brief explainer: it's a rapid transit network made up of nine kilometres of tunnels that will run beneath the CBD and inner 'burbs, with five new underground train stations. It'll run from Kensington to South Yarra, linking with the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. The new tunnel will make getting through the city much quicker, and connect commuters to other major transport hubs. The Metro Tunnel is the biggest transformation of Melbourne’s train network since the City Loop opened in 1981. So basically, it's a huge deal.
If you want to learn more about the Metro Tunnel, the official YouTube channel has handy video explainers, as well as some brilliantly nerdy train content. Or visit the website here.
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