The Victorian government has revealed an additional expenditure of $837 million to complete the Metro Tunnel project by the end of 2025.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson announced that the government will allocate up to $745 million to the project’s builder, the Cross Yarra Partnership, and approximately $85 million to the Metro Tunnel Authority for ongoing testing and trialing.
The builders are expected to contribute a “comparable amount,” though Pearson did not disclose specific figures.
This additional funding brings the project’s total cost to taxpayers to $13.48 billion, a significant increase from the initial estimate of $10.9 billion.
New underground stations aim to ease congestion in Melbourne’s central business district.Pearson highlighted the challenges faced during the final stages, noting that overseas experience shows the last 20% of a project often represents 80% of the complexity.
He emphasized that while the project has encountered difficulties, it remains on track to be completed a year ahead of schedule.
The Metro Tunnel comprises two 9-kilometer train tunnels running beneath Melbourne’s central business district, connecting the Sunbury line in the west with the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines in the southeast. This connection aims to alleviate congestion in the City Loop.
Additionally, the project will feature five new underground stations, including Anzac Station near the Shrine of Remembrance, Parkville Station near the University of Melbourne and major hospitals, and Arden Station in a developing area of North Melbourne.
Three stations completed and two remaining, Pearson expressed confidence in the project’s successful delivery.