Metro Tunnel Trials Prepare Melbourne for New Rail Era

The Metro Tunnel trial operations in Melbourne will run between Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham East on August 16–17, testing infrastructure and systems before the project’s full opening later this year. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Metro Tunnel trial operations and passenger changes

Melbourne is entering a critical stage for its Metro Tunnel, with an intense two-day trial to test infrastructure, signalling, and operational readiness. Operators will run more trains than the standard weekend timetable.

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Services will move through the Metro Tunnel without passengers, focusing entirely on performance and safety checks. Travelers heading to the city must change at Caulfield or Footscray to complete their journeys.

Outbound passengers will follow the reverse process. They can take a Frankston Line service to Caulfield to switch to Cranbourne/Pakenham trains, or use the Werribee/Williamstown route to Footscray before boarding the Sunbury Line.

Metro Tunnel project delivery and future impact

The Transport Victoria Journey Planner will show timetables for the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines during the trials, but no live disruption updates will be available. Onboard displays will note services traveling via the Metro Tunnel.

The Rail Network Alliance — including John Holland, CPB Contractors, Alstom, AECOM, Metro Tunnel Project, and Metro Trains — is delivering the final construction and systems package. In June, trial operations saw more than 3,400 kilometres of services completed.

Government officials stress that thorough testing is essential for passenger safety and smooth operations. When the Metro Tunnel opens, it will transform Melbourne’s rail network with faster cross-city connections and greater capacity.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

FAQ

What is the Metro Tunnel project in Melbourne?

The Metro Tunnel is a major rail infrastructure project connecting Sunbury to Cranbourne/Pakenham through a new tunnel to increase capacity and reduce travel times.

When will the Metro Tunnel open to passengers?

The Metro Tunnel is expected to open later this year after final trials are completed. Full operational dates will be confirmed by the Victorian Government.

How will the Metro Tunnel improve Melbourne train services?

It will provide faster cross-city travel, reduce congestion on existing lines, and improve reliability by separating key routes from the City Loop.

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