Initial works contract for US$6.6 billion Australian rail link
26 November 2021
![](/Images/480xany/20211126-151917-SRLmaphomepage12806102021.png)
Contractor Laing O’Rourke has been awarded the AUD$500 million (US$357 million) Initial Works and Early Works package for Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) in Melbourne, Australia.
It will prepare sites ahead of twin-tunnel boring for the 26km eastern section of the SRL, set to run from Box Hill south to Cheltenham, linking six new stations.
SRL has been called a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future liveability, productivity and connectivity of Melbourne.”
The contract is part of a large package of works that the government of Victoria state, where Melbourne is located, is providing to boost transport links. The state is providing new funding of A$9.3 billion (US$6.6 billion) to build SRL East, which it aims to open for operations in 2035.
Work starts next year and is expected to create 800 jobs – around 14% of the total hours will be undertaken by Victorian apprentices, trainees or cadets.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews, said, “We told the Victorian community we will get this project started – and we’re getting on with it.
“The Suburban Rail Loop is not just a rail line – it delivers opportunities for Victorians to live close to work, more access to education and services and supports thousands of new jobs at a time our state needs them most.”
STAY CONNECTED
![](/Images/270xany/20230216-103918-Construction-Briefing-logo.png)
![](/Images/270xany/20240108-160800-CElogo.jpg)
![](/Images/270xany/20211216-114010-ConTechiconlogo.jpg)
![](/Images/270xany/wpimage%2F20201206-084310-CTLogo.png)
Receive the information you need when you need it through our world-leading magazines, newsletters and daily briefings.
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
![](/Images/1140xany/20201202-170633-andybrown100x100.png)
![](/Images/480xany/20230224-110058-neilgerrard.jpg)
![](/Images/270xany/20240125-120849-catrinjonessquare.jpg)
![](/Images/270xany/20231216-104406-eleanorsheffordwhitebackgroundl-1.jpg)