Recently it was announced that there would be 7,000 jobs created for the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel project according to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

With hundreds of opportunities for apprentices and trainees to enter the industry and work with some of the states finest, this is one project sure to create a buzz in the Civil Recruitment industry for some time.

Along with new recruits entering the arena, this is also an opportunity for some seasoned veterans to lend a hand and also leave their own mark in the industry.

But this should not only be exciting news for the Civil Engineering sector, Melbournians should be excited for the finishing product- after all it will be them who will reap the rewards once the project is completed.

So what can Melbourne expect from the project once it is finished? A lot of new open spaces, ease of transit within the CBD on public transport and what we hope is a smoother rail system.

PROJECT BREAKDOWN:

MAIN CONTRACTORS: Lendlease Engineering, John Holland, Bouygues Construction and Capella Capital
COST: The initial cost is estimated at $11bil
DURATION: The project is set to be completed in 2026 (9 years at least)
SCOPE OF WORK: 5 new underground stations and increased public spaces in new areas (including Albert Road Reserve to be expanded).
and
NUMBER OF TRACKS: 2
SYSTEM LENGTH: 9km
LOCATION OF THE 5 NEW STATIONS AND WHAT THEY WILL OFFER?

Arden – The new underground station will be located near the corner of Arden Street and Laurens Street.  Arden will include over 6,000 square meters of new public space for locals and commuters to enjoy.

Parkville -The new station in Parkville will be located under Grattan Street near Royal Parade, providing a direct rail connection to the area for the first time and relieving pressure on local trams and roads. 3500 square metres of new public space will be created at the station, with a double row of trees planted along Grattan Street and opportunities for outdoor dining, seating and landscaping. It is expected that nearly 60,000 commuters with use this station every day by 2031.

CBD North – The new station will be located at northern end of the CBD will be located under Swanston Street, between La Trobe Street and Franklin Street. It will have three entrances, including the underground connection directly into Melbourne Central station.

CBD South – The new station will be located at southern end of the CBD will be located under Swanston Street, between Flinders Street and Collins Street. It will include an underground pedestrian connection to the platforms at Flinders Street Station, allowing commuters to interchange between Metro Tunnel and City Loop train services

Domain – The new station will be located directly under St Kilda Road near the intersection of Albert Road and Domain Road. It is planned that there will be 4500 square metres of new public space that links some of Melbourne’s most popular parks – Albert Park, the Shrine of Remembrance grounds and the Royal Botanic Gardens. (Don’t worry most of the surrounding Elm trees will remain)
With much disruption expected around Melbourne’s CBD and some inner suburbs during this project, we hope locals will remember not only will this remarkable project have a positive impact on Melbourne’s rail infrastructure for the future, but it will also be creating at least 7,000 industry related jobs over the next 9 years.

Source: http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au