Metro Tunnel secret test to pave the way for trial operations to begin next year
The first train has hit the tracks of the $14bn Metro Tunnel in a significant milestone for the Andrews government’s mega project. See the video.
Victoria
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The first train in the $14bn Metro tunnel has hit the tracks in the early hours of this morning as the city-shaping project begins months of live testing.
The secret operation for a High Capacity Metro train to enter the 9km tunnel from the South Yarra entrance was scheduled for 2am.
Once underground, the train was to run slowly up and down the tracks to enable safety checks and to ensure the tunnel has been built as designed, after which signalling systems will be tested for several months.
Video obtained by the Herald Sun shot early Tuesday morning shows a new train slowly rolling into the tunnel as workers look on.
The test paves the way for trial operations and “real-life scenarios” to begin next year, and the tunnel to opened in early 2025, as scheduled.
The first rail journey underground is a significant milestone for the Andrews government’s signature mega project, which began in 2017 and will increase rail capacity across Melbourne by up to half a million people.
It will also allow Premier Daniel Andrews to shift focus from last week’s debacle when he cancelled his own contract to host the Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria in 2026.
Despite the Metro Tunnel being plagued by budget problems, including a $2.74bn blowout revealed in 2020, construction has continued at a steady pace and the final tracks were laid in March.
At that time, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the project was critical for the future of Victoria’s rail network.
She also said the tunnel would allow for “turn-up-and-go” services to the city and suburbs and would eventually connect to a $10bn Airport Rail link later this decade.
The airport link has been put on hold since then and a review of federally-funded infrastructure projects will determine its future.
Late on Monday night preparations were on track for a train driver, a rail safety worker, representatives of Metro Tunnel’s builders and train operators, and a rail union representative, to make the first trip underground.
After the first run, electronic systems – including train doors that open next to platform barriers, public address systems and security networks – will be tested.
Insiders say the most significant challenges are likely to be faced next year when “dress rehearsal” timetable services begin, which are designed to show the new tunnel signalling system can connect with the existing rail network.
The tunnel uses high capacity signalling, which allows trains to run closer together and effectively “talk” to one another to ensure safe stopping distances are observed.
This will allow trains to run more often, with improved services also possible across nine existing lines as a result of more capacity in the network.