Tetra Tech is providing geotechnical and hydrogeological services to support the delivery of Melbourne’s largest public transport infrastructure project.
Challenge
Cars and trucks are a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Australian cities such as Melbourne. As one part of a broader program to address climate change and move toward net zero emissions, key stakeholders have been strengthening public transport networks, which includes shifting commuters from passenger vehicles to the rail network.
Solution
Tetra Tech’s geotechnical and hydrogeological experts are providing technical assistance for the design and construction of twin nine-kilometer tunnels and five new underground stations as part of the Metro Tunnel Project. Our team is Leading with Science® to deliver detailed investigations, design, and construction support for large station excavations and tunneling processes in Melbourne’s busy central business district.
The project is the largest train network upgrade in Victoria in more than 40 years. It will create capacity for an additional half million passengers on the rail network each week through additional infrastructure and larger, more comfortable trains with better accessibility. The upgrade also will reduce travel times and road traffic, easing congestion and reducing GHG emissions from road transport.
Benefits
- 74 kilotons CO₂e GHG emissions reduced from annual road transport reduced in the first 20 years of operation
- 1.2 grams CO₂e net reduction of GHG emissions per passenger, per kilometer traveled
- 500,000-passenger additional rail network capacity per week
Legacy is at the heart of sustainability—it’s about making sure that we meet our needs today, while protecting the opportunity for future generations to meet theirs. That is why sustainability has been a core focus during the planning and concept design phases of the Metro Tunnel Project and will continue to underpin our work during delivery.
