Getting On With It: Melbourne Metro Rail Ramps Up
The Melbourne Metro Rail Project is ramping up. Geotechnical investigations on Swanston St will start this week and the project’s community engagement push has already begun.
Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, joined Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle, at the first CBD geotechnical site today. Over the coming months investigations will take place along the Swanston St alignment that will carry turn-up-and-go train services under the heart of the city.
These investigations will provide critical information about ground conditions and soil quality, which will inform the precise alignment, depth and design of the new rail tunnels and underground stations.
Melbourne Metro Rail Authority is also stepping up its community engagement activities, with its Twitter account up and running (@mmrailproject) and its new website now live: www.mmrailproject.vic.gov.au
The first newsletter is currently being distributed to 100,000 properties along the alignment, and the Authority will be stationed at various locations in the CBD this week providing information and speaking to people about the benefits of the project and what it means for commuters and the local community.
Representatives of Melbourne Metro Rail will be at outside the State Library on Thursday from 11:00am-2:00pm and will host a pop-up information session in City Square on Friday between 11:00am-2:00pm.
The Andrews Labor Government also confirmed today that an Environment Effects Statement process will be sought for assessment and approval of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan
“If we don’t build Melbourne Metro Rail, our city will eventually grind to a halt. This project unlocks our rail network and unblocks the City Loop, allowing 20,000 more people to catch the train at the busiest times.”
“We’re getting on with it, starting geotech investigations on Swanston Street and ramping up community engagement.”
“I encourage everyone to jump on the website, have a chat with the Melbourne Metro Rail team at a pop-up session and find out more about why this project is so important to our train system, our city and our future.”