The contract, worth $324 million, includes the excavation of open shafts up to 35 metres deep and the removal of 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of soil and rock from an area adjacent to Swanston St – the location of the CBD South station.
Two more shafts will be excavated at Frankin and A’Beckett St where the future CBD North station will be located.
Construction is scheduled to commence next year and is the largest public transport project undertaken in Victoria’s history.
Premier Daniel Andrews said “Next year, the face of our city will change as we dig 11 storeys below the CBD, and pave the way for Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel and five new underground stations.
“The Metro Tunnel will create the international-style train system we need, and we’re not wasting a moment –work starts within weeks, and major work will start in 2017.”
John Holland will also manage the relocation of gas, power and telecommunications services, and the sewer line under the Domain interchange.
The Environmental Effects Statement (EES) has already started and will be followed by formal planning approval, before construction can begin.
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