Australia’s state of Victoria is nearing completion of its landmark Metro Tunnel Project, which is on track to open later this year. The project will create a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the south-east of Melbourne, with bigger and more modern trains, and five new stations.
100,000 kilometre test train milestone
Test trains have now travelled the equivalent of two-and-a-half trips around the Earth’s circumference through the Metro Tunnel.
Testing has continued progressively since the first trains entered the tunnels in mid-2023, from one train in each tunnel at low speeds to more complex scenarios with more trains at the maximum speed of 80km/h.
Trains will continue to run repeatedly up and down the line throughout the year as we continue to put the Victorian-first systems and technologies to the test.
Emergency services visit Arden and Anzac
Last month more than 100 staff members from Ambulance Victoria, Fire and Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police and SES Victoria toured the new Anzac and Arden stations and carried out emergency exercises.
The visit helped first responders familiarise themselves with the new stations, in case they are called upon in future for emergency assistance at one of the tunnel’s five stations.
The visits are another step towards getting the project ready to open and aim to demonstrate that the project’s systems and procedures are ready for any eventuality once passenger services begin later this year.
Unlikely WWII heroes celebrated at Anzac Station
Two Victorian-bred carrier pigeons, lauded for their bravery under fire have been immortalised in bronze at Anzac Station by artist Fiona Hall.
Located at one of the station’s entrances on the outer edge of the Shrine of Remembrance Reserve, these decorated heroes are a little different to most. The two pigeons were awarded the Dickin medal for bravery, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
The artwork also includes images of plant species with links to Australia’s military history, etched on glass wall panels on either side of the pigeons. The plants include Lone Pine, Gallipoli Oak, Gallipoli Rose, Flanders Poppy, Lombardy Poplar and Rosemary – all species that grow where Australians fought at Gallipoli and on the Western Front during the First World War.
Station Masters in residence at Anzac, Parkville and Arden
In April, Metro Trains officially took over management of Anzac, Parkville and Arden Stations. This changeover from construction contractor to rail operator handover marks another important step towards opening to passengers.
