Metro Tunnel Enters Major Trial Phase Ahead of Early Opening

The Allan Labor Government's Metro Tunnel Project is set to undertake a key phase of testing this month, with a full weekend of end-to-end trial operations scheduled as part of preparations to open the project a year ahead of schedule.

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, crews will conduct extensive testing of the Metro Tunnel's systems and infrastructure, simulating real-world conditions in a critical dress rehearsal before the tunnel opens to passengers later this year.

Trains from the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines will run through the new tunnel, requiring passengers to change trains at Footscray and Caulfield, as trains won't stop inside the tunnel during the trials.

More services than usual will operate across the weekend to test "turn-up-and-go" service frequencies, enabled by the Metro Tunnel's advanced next-generation signalling system.

This follows a successful first full day of trial operations in June, where more than 265 trips were completed and over 3,400 kilometres were covered between Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham East.

Passenger information on trains and platforms will display future service patterns, and station staff will be on hand to help travellers navigate any changes. Passengers are advised to listen to live announcements and check displays carefully throughout the weekend.

Further full-day trial runs are planned in the lead-up to the Metro Tunnel's official launch. To date, test trains have travelled over 197,000 kilometres through the tunnel as part of rigorous trial operations.

Once complete, the Metro Tunnel will link the Sunbury line in the north-west with the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines in the south-east via a new tunnel beneath the CBD - creating a continuous rail corridor and providing passengers with more travel options across the city.

Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said:

"The Metro Tunnel is the biggest overhaul of our rail network in over 40 years. These repeated and detailed trials are crucial to ensure all systems are ready for passengers - and we're on track to open a year early."

"We thank passengers for their patience as we push ahead with this city-shaping project."

"While the Liberals opposed the Metro Tunnel, we're focused on delivering transformative infrastructure - we build, they block."