97km of track continuous running through Metro Tunnel and Melbourne suburbs

There is now nearly 100km of continuous railway running from Sunbury through the Metro Tunnel and out to Melbourne’s southeast after a $1.8bn project wrapped up.

There is now nearly 100km of continuous railway running from Sunbury through the Metro Tunnel and out to Melbourne’s southeast after a $1.8bn project wrapped up.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday announced the big upgrade of the Sunbury Line had been finished six months early.

It included a connection into the western entrance of the Metro Tunnel, which means all track needed for the $13bn project has been laid.

Other upgrades include improved power and signalling, longer platforms for high-capacity trains and new electrical substations along the line.

There is about 100km of continuous railway running through the Metro Tunnel. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Mr Andrews said the news was a big milestone in taking train service from the southeast and northwest out of the busy City Loop.

“In the peak period, you’ll be able to travel from Pakenham continuously all the way through on the Pakenham line, the Metro tunnel and the Sunbury line all the way up to Sunbury,” he said. “That’s some 97km of continuous track.

“This is all about not needing a timetable. You missed the last train; wait a couple of minutes and the next train arrives.” Major disruptions on the Sunbury line for the works were timed to coincide with removing a level crossing on the corridor at Gap Rd.