Metro Tunnel Supports Melbourne’s Long-term Transport Strategy

Awarded in 2017, the Metro Tunnel project was carried out by the Cross Yarra Partnership (CYP) consortium, consisting of Bouygues Construction Australia (a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction), Lendlease, John Holland and Capella Capital. The consortium was responsible for financing, designing and constructing the infrastructure, and will maintain it on behalf of the Victorian State Government for the next 25 years.

The 9-km twin tunnels run through Melbourne’s city center and serve five new metro stations (Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac). The Arden and Anzac stations feature monumental above-ground entrance structures designed to reflect the identity of the neighborhood while bringing natural light to the underground concourses.

The Metro Tunnel connects three major lines (Sunbury in the north-west, Cranbourne and Pakenham in the south-east) via new tunnels and stations under the city center. This new configuration significantly increases network capacity and creates new direct access points to the heart of the city.

Beyond rail infrastructure, the project includes the development of public spaces surrounding the stations, with the creation of pedestrian areas, parks, footbridges and new businesses, contributing to the urban regeneration of several neighborhoods and better integration of the metro in the city.

Works took eight years to complete and required four tunnel boring machines (TBMs). The first passengers were welcomed in November 2025.

The Metro Tunnel is a cornerstone of Greater Melbourne’s long-term transport strategy and complements the Suburban Rail Loop (one section of which is currently under construction in a joint venture that includes Bouygues Construction Australia). While the Metro Tunnel acts as a major connector in the city center, providing access to major hospitals, universities and cultural venues, the Suburban Rail Loop will be a strategic orbital network linking key suburban hubs such as Box Hill, Monash and Cheltenham, and when fully completed, Melbourne Airport.

This major project demonstrates Bouygues Construction’s expertise in mobility projects and delivering large, complex underground projects in a number of countries. This has included lines 18 and 15 East-South of the Grand Paris Express in France, the NorthConnex motorway tunnel in Sydney, and the Central Kowloon Route (CKR) and Trunk Road T2 in Hong Kong.