After nearly a decade of construction that reshaped Melbourne's cityscape, the moment millions have been waiting for has finally arrived. The city's monumental Metro Tunnel project is complete, with the five spectacular new stations now unveiled to the public.
A Glimpse Inside Melbourne's Underground Marvels
The Guardian has obtained exclusive first access to the finished stations, revealing architectural masterpieces that blend functionality with stunning design. From the soaring ceilings of State Library Station to the contemporary elegance of Town Hall Station, each stop offers a unique visual identity while maintaining the project's cohesive modern aesthetic.
Transforming Melbourne's Daily Commute
This isn't just about beautiful stations – it's about revolutionising how Melburnians move. The £11 billion project creates a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne and Pakenham in the south-east, bypassing the congested City Loop.
The impact will be immediate and substantial:
- More than half a million additional passengers can be carried during peak periods
- Travel times slashed by up to 50 minutes for some cross-city journeys
- Reduced congestion on existing lines and at busy interchange stations
- Nine of Melbourne's busiest train lines will see service improvements
The Five Pillars of Progress
Each station serves as a gateway to key Melbourne precincts:
- Arden Station: The future heart of North Melbourne's urban renewal corridor
- Parkville Station: Direct access to the Melbourne University precinct and Royal Melbourne Hospital
- State Library Station: Serving the CBD's education and cultural quarter
- Town Hall Station: Connecting shoppers and workers to Melbourne's retail heart
- Anzac Station: Providing improved access to the Domain Precinct and St Kilda Road
Beyond the Architecture: The Practical Benefits
The project represents more than just infrastructure – it's about creating a more liveable, accessible city. Wider platforms, better lighting, improved accessibility features, and state-of-the-art passenger information systems ensure these stations will serve Melbourne for generations to come.
"This project has been about future-proofing our city," said a project spokesperson. "We're not just building for today's population, but for the Melbourne of 2050 and beyond."
What Comes Next
With construction complete, attention now turns to testing and commissioning. The new tunnel and stations are expected to open to passengers in the coming months, marking the beginning of a new era for Melbourne's public transport system.
The Metro Tunnel stands as one of the largest public transport projects in Australia's history, and its completion signals Melbourne's arrival as a truly world-class city with infrastructure to match its global ambitions.
