Victoria has officially entered the major construction phase of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), with works commencing at the tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site in Clarinda. This marks a key milestone for the multi-decade transport and housing infrastructure project.
Dylan Anderson
Project Scope and Purpose
The Suburban Rail Loop aims to reshape Melbourne's transport network by creating an orbital rail line connecting key suburbs. Once complete, SRL East and SRL North are expected to ease pressure on outer suburbs and remove more than 600,000 cars from Melbourne roads each day.
The project also supports broader urban planning goals by increasing housing density in strategic areas. It is set to deliver approximately 70,000 new homes close to jobs, hospitals, and education precincts.
Tunnelling Plans
The SRL tunnelling phase will officially begin next year. Four tunnel boring machines will be used to carve out 26 kilometres of twin tunnels:
- Suburban Connect consortium will construct 16 km of tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley.
- Terra Verde consortium will manage tunnelling from Glen Waverley to Box Hill.
The TBMs will be deployed from Clarinda using a 'flying launch' technique, allowing tunnelling to begin as the machines are assembled behind the launch face. Each TBM will take around three months to assemble and advance up to 90 metres per week.
Dylan Anderson
Progress at Burwood Site
Excavation at the Burwood TBM launch site is halfway complete, with works expected to finish mid-2025. Tunnelling between Burwood and Glen Waverley is scheduled to start in 2026.
Jobs and Economic Impact
SRL East, stretching from Cheltenham to Box Hill, is creating up to 8,000 direct jobs. Over 3,000 workers are already on-site across various locations. The line is planned to be operational by 2035.
Government Support and Funding
The SRL has been supported by successive Victorian Labor governments and has won voter backing at four consecutive state elections. The project is a key part of the Allan Government's long-term infrastructure agenda.
Summary
- Construction start: May 2025
- Tunnelling begins: 2026
- Operational date: 2035
- Homes delivered: ~70,000
- Direct jobs: Up to 8,000
The Suburban Rail Loop is set to transform public transport and housing access across Melbourne, providing long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Note: All information is based on official Victorian Government releases and accurate as of 8th May 2025.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
