Q & A - MELBOURNE METRO TUNNEL PROJECT
Contractors , Ghella , Salini Impregilo , Serco and Macquarie Capital
A series of site investigations is being carried out along the alignment between Kensington and South Yarra to gather further information on ground and environmental conditions to ensure we have the most up-to-date information available as planning for the city ’ s newest rail line continues .
To date , more than 200 geotechnical boreholes have been drilled to obtain rock and soil samples at key locations to help us gain a greater understanding of local geological conditions to assist in planning how the Metro Tunnel and stations will be built .
Shortlisted bidders for the PPP will be asked to submit a formal proposal by early next year , with a contract expected to be awarded by the end of 2017 .
How are you planning to manage any potential disruptions ? The Metro Tunnel is being assessed through an Environment Effects Statement ( EES ) planning process . There will be impacts during the construction phase which are unavoidable for a project of this scale and complexity .
The EES is an integrated assessment of the potential environmental , social , economic and planning impacts of the project , and the approach to managing these impacts .
The EES is supported by a range of technical studies that assesses the potential effects of the Metro Tunnel and provides guidance on mitigation measures . Specialist investigations undertaken for Metro Tunnel ’ s EES will inform the statutory approvals required for the project .
As part of the EES , a number of mitigation or ‘ Environmental Performance Requirements ’ have been proposed to avoid , reduce or manage construction impacts and minimise disruptions above and below ground . The proposed Environmental Performance Requirements address a range of issues including open space , trees , heritage buildings , air quality , traffic and transport .
Have there been any major design changes ? MMRA ’ s ongoing engagement with
13