Tunnelling works on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) in Victoria are on track to begin in 2026, with trains expected to take passengers in 2035.
Clayton Road recently reopened one week ahead of schedule after a blitz of works on the SRL, which has paved the way for major construction to start over the coming weeks.
Crews have moved underground services, completed building demolition and started constructing two new open community spaces – allowing for the start of works to begin on the southern section of the SRL twin tunnels.
Closing Clayton Road ensured critical work was completed in the shortest time possible – reducing overall impacts to the community, while emergency access to the hospital was maintained.
Works in the area will continue with some lane and speed restrictions on Clayton Road in the weeks ahead.
Works have been completed in time for a community event marking Diwali on Thursday 31 October and a family fun day on Saturday 9 November.
Construction of SRL is forging ahead across all six station sites from Cheltenham to Box Hill, creating up to 8000 direct jobs, with more than 1500 people already working on the project.
“Major construction will start soon in Clayton now that underground services have been moved along Clayton Road – and we’re on track for tunnelling to start in 2026,” Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson said.
“The new SRL station at Clayton will become a transport super hub connecting the Cranbourne/Pakenham and Gippsland lines to the network, improving access to world class research and hospitals and providing more homes close to public transport.”
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