Chinese-owned contractor John Holland has been chosen to deliver the early works package for Victoria’s biggest public transport project, the US$8bn Melbourne Metro.
The $240m contract includes excavating shafts in the centre of Melbourne as part of preparations for work on the tunnel and five underground stations.
Daniel Andrews, the premier of Victoria, said two shafts located adjacent to central Melbourne’s Swanston Street would be up to 35m deep and involve the removal of 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools of soil and rock.
Excavation of the Central Business District North Station will involve the construction of two shafts that will be covered by acoustic sheds to reduce noise for its neighbours.
Construction of CBD South will involve the partial demolition of the car park underneath City Square. Â
Other works in the package include the relocation and protection of up to 100 utilities, including gas, power and telecoms services, as well as the 120-year-old main sewer line under the Domain interchange.
These works will start within weeks, with construction on the stations’ shafts to begin next year, following the conclusion of an environment effects study and the granting of formal planning approval for the project.
John Holland was recently chosen to deliver South Australia’s largest private hospital.
Image via John Holland
