Government modelling predicts SRL trains could travel just 4 minutes between stations

New government modelling into the Suburban Rail Loop has outlined how much time the project could save commuters.

Commuters travelling on a completed first stage of the Suburban Rail Loop would be able to get from Cheltenham to Box Hill in 22 minutes, according to new modelling into the mammoth project.

Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan on Monday announced the government had completed new travel time predictions that showed the value of the underground rail line for Melbourne’s suburbs.

They anticipate it would take just three to four minutes between stations, while journeys to university precincts would be slashed by 20 to 40 minutes once connected by rail.

Ms Allan said the state government was still working on an investment and business case for the project, which could cost at least $50 billion, to be released this year.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan gives a media conference at Clayton Station. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Luis Ascui

Early works on Stage 1, which will cut through the south east from Cheltenham to Box Hill, have already been funded and are underway.

“It’s a project that’s going to be delivered over many decades,” Ms Allan said.

“These are already big and busy business precincts. They’re predicted to become even busier and we want to provide better access to these job centres through the rail network.

“If you’re in Clayton and want to head to Box Hill, you’re more than likely to use your car. “With the SRL you’ll be able to make that choice to catch the train.”

But questions remain over how the full length of the project will work with the Melbourne Airport Rail that is also in development.

The state government has included the long-awaited connection to Tullamarine as part of the loop, but the two railway lines will use differently sized tracks and train models.

The issue was first flagged at the start of 2020, with authorities still determining how the SRL will fit into a planned station to be built under the airport.

An artist's impression of a train on the Suburban Rail Loop, which will encircle Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

Ms Allan said the Suburban Rail Loop Authority was working through the connection but that it was likely there would be an “interchange” at the airport where passengers could swap trains.

“The commitment is to provide a connection to every metropolitan train line,” she said.

“We’ve got to start somewhere and that’s why we’re starting here.”

It comes as two councils in the region have raised concerns about plans to build stabling yards for the SRL at Heatherton.

Locals in the area have been petitioning to have the site moved to another location and claim it will remove too much green space that was to be protected from development.

Stage One Tail Tunnel alignment

The City of Kingston has written to the Premier’s office urging them to revisit the issue and find an alternative spot for the rail yards, while the City of Glen Eira will consider joining their request on Tuesday.

Ms Allan said the current site had been chosen because it was the least disruptive for acquisitions.

“At the start of the rail loop we do need to provide a stabling facility,” she said.

“We are working with those local residents who have been directly impacted. ”I appreciate this is quite a challenging process for them to work through and we’re working very respectfully with them.

“We’re also continuing to work with Kingston City Council on their parks concept and there is open space that will be able to be returned.”