Work on the Metro Tunnel eastern entrance in South Yarra hit full steam ahead
There will be an enormous amount of work on the eastern entrance to the Metro Tunnel in South Yarra during summer. But find out why you may not notice too much difference on the roads.
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South Yarra will be a hive of activity during summer — and not just because of its premier retail strip.
Works on the Metro Tunnel will ramp up, with excavation of the final section of the eastern tunnel entrance beginning in January.
Crews will start shifting the existing train tracks to make room for the new track that will connect the Sunbury line to the Cranbourne/Pakenham lines in the tunnel.
Due to the works, sections of the Cranbourne, Pakenham, Frankston and Sandringham lines will be closed during that time.
Stonnington residents are expected to make greater use of the Glen Waverley line and tram options.
The works are not expected to have a great impact on local roads, except for bus replacement services.
Stonnington spokesman Jim Carden said the council was determined to use the works to capitalise on creating more open space.
“We are among the most impoverished local government areas when it comes to open space, so we put a lot of effort into leveraging major transport projects that have the potential to turn bits of land into pocket parks, dog exercise areas and opportunities for more trees and vegetation,” he said.
Mr Carden said the council was pleased with the progress of the South Yarra tunnel works and was working closely with authorities to “ensure a positive legacy in terms of open space, connectivity and amenity for residents”.
“This includes new and highly valuable open space, more trees and vegetation, better lighting, safer paths, safer infrastructure, noise protection and visual impacts,” he said.
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The tunnel entrance will be in the South Yarra Siding Reserve, where tracks will be built so trains can enter the tunnel near William St and pass underneath the Sandringham and Frankston lines.
Works to improve the access to South Yarra station will occur during the line closure. The Williams St bridge, Lovers Walk and South Yarra Siding Reserve will reopen in 2022.