Early works are being planned for the multi-billion-dollar project that will transform Melbourne's rail network.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan have announced the early works package for Melbourne Metro Rail, the largest public infrastructure project in Victoria's history.
Bids for the major contracts will open this week.
Melbourne Metro Rail will include two nine-kilometre tunnels and five new stations, and will be built through a multi-billion dollar public private partnership. The project will transform Melbourne's rail network into an international-style underground metro system, that can carry 20,000 extra passengers in peak hour.
The works will include moving and protecting underground services such as gas, sewer and water mains, stormwater pipes and telecommunications cables, and relocating trees and other road features to allow the construction to go ahead.
Andrews said, 'Melbourne Metro Rail will unclog our train network, creating an international-style turn-up-and-go underground metro system.'
Allan said, 'These early works will set up key sites for major construction in 2018, so we can deliver Melbourne Metro Rail as soon as possible. The Melbourne Metro cross-city rail tunnel will deliver the high-capacity, high-frequency metro system Melbourne needs, and lays the foundation for future growth of our train network.'