Expressions of interest now open for Suburban Rail Loop early works

The next step in the state government’s plan to build Suburban Rail Loop is now underway.

A major step in the Andrews Government’s plan to build the Suburban Rail Loop is now underway, with expressions of interest now open for early works on the mega project.

Suburban Rail Loop Minister Jacinta Allan on Monday announced the government was now looking for responses from interested contractors to help kick of the first phase of the project.

It comes after the government announced a $2.2 billion cash injection to get the first leg of the underground rail line started.

The full price of the Suburban Rail Loop is yet to be costed, with an investment case due next year to give more details on funding and timelines for the project.

When completed, the first phase would start at Southland in the southeast and make its way north to Box Hill, with stops at employment and education hubs at Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley and Burwood.

An artist depiction of a new station built as part of the project.

The new expressions of interest process is for a large package of works to upgrade roads and power networks in these areas and to prepare sites for the eventual arrival of tunnel boring machines similar to those used on the Metro Tunnel.

A swath of construction companies have already registered in the pre-qualification process and will now be able to petition for the work.

The government’s previously announced $2.2 billion will fund these works, purchase land needed for the project and help begin the process of developing six new underground stations.

An artist's concept of a station along the Suburban Rail Loop. Source: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

An artist's impression of the Suburban Rail Loop's twin tunnels. Source: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

Other planned stages of the Suburban Rail Loop would see it connected to Melbourne’s northern suburbans, the airport at Tullamarine and out west to Werribee.

“This is the biggest transport project in Victorian history and it will transform our state forever,” Ms Allan said.

“We know that the best construction companies want to be a part of delivering it.”

“We said we’d get on and deliver Stage One of Suburban Rail Loop and we’re not wasting a second – this early phase of construction is going to create hundreds of local jobs and make this huge project a reality.”

The expressions of interest phase will close on January 29, 2021.