Melbourne train station in Victoria, Australia. Image: Adobe Stock

The project is valued at a total of AUD1.7 billion (US$1.07 billion), and Bouygues Construction Australia鈥檚 share is valued at AUD562 million (US$356 million).

The works involve the design and construction of twin 10km tunnels using tunnel boring machines from Box Hill to Glen Waverley, including two station boxes, two tunnel access shafts, one intervention and ventilation shaft and 39 cross passages.

SRL is the biggest infrastructure project in Victoria鈥檚 history. 

The first stage of the project, SRL East, is now under construction, with tunnelling to start in 2026 and trains running in 2035. SRL East will open up access to key business health and education destinations in Melbourne鈥檚 east and southeast.

In addition to the significant improvements to Melbourne鈥檚 public transport, the joint-venture has committed to implementing a range of sustainability initiatives and strategies on the project that will help deliver positive environmental, social and economic outcomes for the broader community.

Melbourne is now Australia鈥檚 largest city, with an expected population of nearly nine million by the 2050s. SRL will slash travel times, ease congestion and help deliver thousands more homes close to world-class public transport.

Betrand Burtschell, CEO of Bouygues Travaux Publics, said, 鈥淪RL East is a city-shaping project that will greatly enhance Melbourne鈥檚 public transport network and influence the growth and development of the city鈥檚 suburban communities for decades to come.鈥�