One of the most important projects in Victoria’s history is now underway, with construction starting today on Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) – a jobs juggernaut that will deliver better public transport, connect communities and ease road congestion for generations to come.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Suburban Rail Loop Minister Jacinta Allan today visited Clayton to mark the start of construction of SRL East between Cheltenham and Box Hill and meet the workers undertaking excavation works near the site of the new SRL station.

The laying of a new 630-metre sewer pipe – dug by a remote-controlled micro-tunnelling machine – is the beginning of a massive program of initial and early works which will create up to 800 local jobs.

The first phase of works for SRL East will also include road modifications, service relocation and preparation for three sites where the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be launched.

Up to 10 TBMS are expected to carve the 26 kilometres of twin tunnels, linking the six new underground stations.

SRL East will be open by 2035 – the first of three stages of the 90km orbital loop linking every major rail line via the airport – connecting major employment, health and education centres, creating a pipeline of jobs and training opportunities, and slashing travel times. A trip from Cheltenham to Box Hill will take just 22 minutes.

The new station at Clayton will be a transport super hub – connecting regional Victorians to SRL and one of the busiest interchange stations on the network.

SRL East will generate up to 8,000 jobs during construction, with exciting opportunities for local industry and suppliers. The Clayton site has been established by Indigenous construction firm Wamarra – the first sub-contractor employed on this city-shaping project.

Over more than two million hours, workers have completed thousands of lab tests and surveys, and geotechnical investigations at more than 840 sites.

will reshape our city for future generations and transform our public transport network – and it’s officially underway.