Suburban Rail Loop Construction Begins with Tunnel Works

Major construction on the Suburban Rail Loop has officially begun in Victoria, with crews preparing the tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site in Clarinda for the next stage of the project. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

TBMs will arrive later this year, with full tunneling to begin in 2026. Each machine will take around three months to assemble before entering service.

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Suburban Connect will construct 16 km of twin tunnels from Cheltenham to Glen Waverley. Terra Verde will handle tunnel works northward from Glen Waverley to Box Hill.

Four TBMs will launch from Clarinda—two heading to Glen Waverley and two toward Cheltenham. These machines are expected to travel up to 90 meters per week.

Suburban Rail Loop Launch Sites Progressing Rapidly

Crews will use a “flying launch” method—an Australian first—allowing tunneling to begin while machines are still under construction. This approach speeds up work from compact launch zones.

Meanwhile, excavation continues at Burwood for a second launch site. Tunnel work there is also expected to start in 2026, reinforcing progress on SRL East.

Suburban Rail Loop to Boost Urban Mobility

The Suburban Rail Loop will connect all major train lines, from Frankston to Werribee, including a direct link to Melbourne Airport. This will reshape travel across Greater Melbourne.

Super hubs will be built at Clayton, Broadmeadows, and Sunshine. These hubs will let regional travelers bypass the central business district, easing congestion and improving efficiency.

With major work now underway, the project promises long-term benefits in mobility, accessibility, and urban development throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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