Testing is set to ramp up on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel project as it gets ready to open later in 2025, a year ahead of schedule. The state government has announced another critical phase of end-to-end trial operations for the ambitious project are scheduled for Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August.
Over the trial weekend, trains on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will run through the Metro Tunnel, but passengers will need to interchange at Footscray and Caulfield, as the trains won’t stop inside the tunnel.
The focus will be on testing the next-generation signalling system under real-world, high-frequency conditions, simulating the “turn-up-and-go” services set to become the new norm.
This comes after a successful trial in June, where trains clocked 3,400 kilometres across 265 trips, with passenger information displays and systems mimicking future operations. With 197,000 kilometres already logged in testing, the tunnel’s readiness is rapidly accelerating.
Station staff will be deployed to assist passengers, and travellers are urged to pay close attention to live announcements and signage throughout the weekend.
“The Metro Tunnel will be the biggest transformation of our rail network in more than 40 years,” said Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams.
“We thank passengers for their patience as we get on delivering this city shaping project.”
More full-day trials are planned before doors open to passengers later this year.
