Hurstbridge Line tunnel transforms Melbourne’s rail network
03.11.2025
The Hurstbridge Line tunnel is nearing completion as a significant achievement in the Melbourne train upgrade of this extensive network that benefits safety, reliability, and connectivity between regions.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Hurstbridge Line tunnel drives infrastructure renewal
Melbourne is also enhancing the transportation network as workers wrap up the completion of the final construction stage of the Hurstbridge Line tunnel between Grimshaw Street and Elder Street in Watsonia. This new extension is over 500 meters long, making it one of the longest in Melbourne’s train tunnels after the City Loop Metro Tunnel.
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Employees overhauled the Grimshaw Street Bridge rebuild and expanded the tunnel during a construction surge of 30 days. This improves road as well as train efficiency, making trains run with minimal interruptions in train flow.
Engineers upgraded the tunnels by enhancing the safety of the tunnel walls. They also replaced old train tracks and bridges. As a result of this upgrade, the railway line is able to handle higher train frequency in the future.
Hurstbridge Line tunnel boosts reliability and growth
Passenger train operations recommenced shortly after completion of major works, with fine-tuning set to continue in early next year. Engineers are currently evaluating signal systems, overhead wires, as well as drainage.
Moreover, according to the Victorian Government, this project will improve the reliability offered by the network as well as support the “M80 Ring Road Completion initiative.” Further, the new signaling and power solutions will ensure that commuters enjoy a faster journey.
“It is a great achievement, reflecting a high level of collaboration between Commonwealth, state, and local stakeholders,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King added in her reaction to this achievement.
“Passengers will appreciate that this project shows that Australia is locking in a sustainable approach to investment in our railways,” King concluded.
As the transport network in Melbourne continues to develop, this tunnel extension will ensure that the population is well balanced, particularly in the regions that are expected to experience employment as a result of this development.
Australian experts in the field of infrastructural development advocate that projects of this nature be undertaken across the nation in the form of tunnel upgrade initiatives.
Source: www.railexpress.com.au
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What is the Hurstbridge Line tunnel project?
The Hurstbridge Line tunnel project extends Melbourne’s rail network by nearly 500 meters, improving safety, reliability, and capacity between Macleod and Greensborough.
How does the Hurstbridge Line tunnel improve travel?
It reduces delays, supports higher train frequency, and enhances safety by replacing old infrastructure and upgrading signaling systems.
When will the Hurstbridge Line tunnel be fully completed?
Final works continue into early next year, after which the line will operate at full capacity under the M80 Ring Road Completion program.
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