The Victorian Suburban Rail Loop is well underway with the next stage of geotechnical work beginning at Box Hill.
Site investigations at Box Hill signal the start of a program of ground works across Melbourne’s southeast that will help understand ground conditions and plan for the new underground alignment and station locations.
The geotechnical investigations involve drilling boreholes of depths between 30-60m. The rock and soil are then tested for composition and stability, with each site taking around two weeks to analyse.
The geotechnical investigations are a vital part of development and technical work that will determine the stages and timing of the project, and how it will be built.
The Suburban Rail Loop will connect Melbourne’s middle suburbs to priority growth precincts, and link all Victorians to major health, education and employment centres.
The 90km rail link will connect every major railway line from the Frankston line to the Werribee line via Melbourne Airport, easing demand on existing lines and shifting more Melburnians out of their cars.
Construction on the first stage of Suburban Rail Loop is expected to begin in 2022.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said, “We said we’d get the Suburban Rail Loop started and that’s what we’re doing – with geotechnical work now underway in Box Hill.
“Suburban Rail Loop will change the way we move around Melbourne, slashing travel times and better connecting people with jobs, education and other vital services, wherever they live.”
Transport Infrastructure Minister, Jacinta Allan, said, “Whether it’s removing level crossings, the Metro Tunnel or North East Link – we’re getting on with the projects that Victorians voted for and need.”
