The Suburban Rail Loop will soon commence major construction on a new Melbourne train station and twin tunnels underneath a major arterial.
Clayton Road has reopened one week ahead of schedule following a burst of activity on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project. This milestone allows the construction of the southern section of the Suburban Rail Loop’s twin tunnels and the new Clayton SRL station, which will be a transport superhub connecting the Cranbourne/Pakenham and Gippsland lines to the network, improving access to research facilities, hospitals, and housing, to proceed, while minimising the disruption to local residents.
As Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson explained, “Major construction will start soon in Clayton now that underground services have been moved along Clayton Road – and we’re on track for tunnelling to start in 2026.”
Suburban Rail Loop progressing at all six new train station sites
- The reopening of Clayton Road marks a new milestone on the Suburban Rail Loop
- It allows the beginning of construction on the twin tunnels and the new Clayton SRL station
- It’s one of six station sites, stretching from Cheltenham to Box Hill
- There’ll be a Clayton community event on Thursday 31 October, a Diwali celebration
- There’ll also be a family fun day on Saturday 9 November
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The reopening marks the end of an intensive phase that saw crews relocate underground services, demolish buildings, and begin developing two new community spaces in the area. As a result, Clayton residents can look forward to further construction on the SRL over the coming weeks, with some ongoing lane closures and speed restrictions expected on Clayton Road.
The Suburban Rail Loop project is rapidly advancing across six station sites, stretching from Cheltenham to Box Hill. With more than 1,500 workers currently on site and plans for up to 8,000 direct jobs, SRL is making a significant impact on Victoria’s public transport infrastructure.
The SRL station at Clayton is set to become a transport superhub, integrating the Cranbourne/Pakenham and Gippsland lines into the network. This connection will provide better access to local hospitals and research facilities, while also opening up housing opportunities close to world-class public transport.
These upcoming events will help bring the community together to celebrate the progress being made in Clayton. Residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy these activities as work on the SRL continues.
Significant milestones ahead for SRL project
Tunnelling for the SRL project is scheduled to begin in 2026, with trains expected to be operational by 2035. The development of the SRL is a key part of Melbourne’s long-term vision for its transport network, helping to reshape how people travel and connect across the city. By the time the project is complete, the SRL will allow for an additional 70,000 homes to be built, offering more housing choices in areas well-serviced by public transport, schools, jobs, and recreational spaces.
The transport superhub at Clayton will play a central role in these developments, enhancing connectivity between Melbourne’s southeast and the rest of the city. The Victorian government has positioned the SRL as a way to improve access to vital services like hospitals and universities, while fostering economic growth in suburbs along the line.
Minister for Suburban Rail Loop, Danny Pearson, said that the recent works in Clayton are crucial to keeping the project on track. “Major construction will start soon in Clayton now that underground services have been moved along Clayton Road – and we’re on track for tunnelling to start in 2026,” he explained.
Repurposing equipment to power progress
A key element of the SRL project is its ability to integrate existing resources and technology. The enormous tunnel boring machines (TBMs) used for Sydney’s Metro project are being repurposed to tunnel through Melbourne’s suburban earth, offering a sustainable and cost-effective approach to construction.
These TBMs, some of the largest ever used in Australia, are critical to the SRL project’s success. They will be responsible for creating the 90km loop of underground tunnels that will form the backbone of Melbourne’s expanded rail network. This integration of cutting-edge technology reflects the project’s commitment to efficiency and innovation.
As the tunnelling date approaches, preparations for the massive machines are well underway. By 2026, these TBMs will begin their journey from Cheltenham to Box Hill, carving out the subterranean pathways that will define Melbourne’s transport future.
Suburban Rail Loop’s public transport transformation
The SRL project is just one part of a larger transformation underway in Melbourne’s public transport landscape. With the ongoing construction of the Metro Tunnel, which is also set to revolutionise the way passengers move through the city, Melburnians are in for a completely new commuting experience in the coming years.
The Metro Tunnel will add five new underground stations, making travel in and out of the city faster and more reliable. Combined with the SRL, the new infrastructure is expected to drastically reduce congestion on existing lines and improve service across the city.
For Clayton residents and commuters, these changes represent an exciting shift in how they navigate the city. Member for Oakleigh, Steve Dimopoulos, acknowledged the patience and understanding shown by the local community. “We’re making major progress delivering SRL and we thank the Clayton residents and local traders for their patience while we complete these important works on time,” he said.
Creating connected communities
One of the standout aspects of the Suburban Rail Loop is its potential to create well-connected communities. With the development of new housing along the SRL corridor, residents will enjoy easy access to public transport, jobs, schools, and recreational facilities.
By building new homes and revitalising suburban areas, the SRL project aligns with Melbourne’s growth strategy and the desire to offer housing choices that reflect modern lifestyles. The project is not just about moving people from one part of the city to another – it’s about shaping the future of Melbourne’s suburbs and creating vibrant, liveable neighbourhoods.
The Victorian government’s ambitious transport plans aim to make Melbourne a more accessible and sustainable city for generations to come. As the SRL project forges ahead, the benefits of this long-term investment will start to become clearer, with improvements in both transport and housing playing a major role in the city’s development.
In the weeks ahead, Clayton will host a number of community events to celebrate progress on the Suburban Rail Loop.
Residents can find out more about these events by visiting suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au/events.
