Bouygues Construction Australia, in partnership with Webuild and GS Engineering & Construction through the Terra Verde joint venture, has been selected to deliver the Tunnels North contract for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project in Victoria, Australia. The total value of the project is AUD 1.7 billion, with Bouygues Construction Australia’s share amounting to AUD 562 million (approximately €343 million).
The works include the design and construction of twin 10km tunnels from Box Hill to Glen Waverley, using tunnel boring machines, along with the creation of two station boxes, two tunnel access shafts, one intervention and ventilation shaft, and 39 cross passages.
As the largest infrastructure project in Victoria’s history, SRL East will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Melbourne and Victoria, reinforcing Melbourne’s status as one of the most liveable cities globally. The population of Melbourne is expected to grow to nearly nine million by the 2050s, and SRL will significantly reduce travel times, alleviate congestion, and support the development of thousands of new homes near high-quality public transport.
The first stage of the project, SRL East, is currently under construction, with tunnelling set to begin in 2026, and trains expected to run by 2035. This phase will improve access to key business, health, and education hubs in Melbourne’s east and southeast.
The Terra Verde joint venture has also committed to implementing a wide range of sustainability initiatives aimed at delivering positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes for the broader community.
Bertrand Burtschell, CEO of Bouygues Travaux Publics, expressed pride in the project, saying, “SRL East is a city-shaping project that will greatly enhance Melbourne’s public transport network and influence the growth and development of the city’s suburban communities for decades to come. We are immensely proud to be delivering this transformative piece of infrastructure for the people of Melbourne.”
