The Victorian government’s Metro Tunnel Project is set to commence another critical phase of end-to-end trial operations in August, as it prepares to open later this year — one year ahead of schedule.
On Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 August, Metro Tunnel crews will conduct extended testing of all new systems and infrastructure in a comprehensive dress rehearsal before passenger services begin.
During these trials, trains on the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines will run through the Metro Tunnel, although passengers will need to interchange at Footscray and Caulfield to complete their journeys, as tunnel travel is not yet permitted.
Service frequency will increase during the trial weekend with more trains operating compared to the usual weekend timetable.
The trials will deploy the Metro Tunnel’s next-generation signalling system under real-world conditions to validate “turn-up-and-go” services.
This exercise follows a successful full day of trial operations in June, when trains covered over 3,400 kilometres and completed 265 trips between Sunbury and Cranbourne and Pakenham East.
Since testing began, trains have collectively travelled more than 197,000 kilometres through the tunnels.
Passenger information displays both onboard trains and on platforms will simulate future service patterns.
Station staff will be present throughout the trial period to assist commuters in understanding journey changes, with passengers encouraged to heed live announcements carefully.
The Metro Tunnel is a transformative infrastructure project that will connect the bustling Sunbury line in Melbourne’s north-west with the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines in the south-east via a new tunnel beneath the city.
This will create an uninterrupted rail line spanning the city, providing passengers with greater travel options.
Minister for Transport Gabrielle Williams emphasized the significance of the project and the ongoing testing: “The Metro Tunnel will be the biggest transformation of our rail network in more than 40 years, and we need to repeatedly trial all the complex systems before it opens later this year – one year ahead of schedule.”
Acknowledging the cooperation of commuters, she added: “We thank passengers for their patience as we get on delivering this city-shaping project.”
Williams also highlighted the political commitment behind the project: “The Liberals opposed the Metro Tunnel and we are getting on to deliver this game-changing project – we build, they block.”
Further full-day trial runs are planned over the coming months as the Metro Tunnel nears completion and opening to the public.
The project promises to greatly enhance Melbourne’s rail capacity and connectivity upon its launch.
