The contracts to build the biggest public transport project in Victoria’s history and equip it with next-generation, high-capacity signalling have been signed.

Contracts to deliver the $6 billion tunnel and stations package have been finalised with the Cross Yarra Partnership (CYP) – a consortium led by Lendlease Engineering, John Holland, Bouygues Construction and Capella Capital.

The final contract has also been signed with CPB Contractors and Bombardier Transportation to start work on the roll-out of high-capacity signalling.

The $1.1 billion Rail Systems Alliance will deliver high capacity signalling to allow trains to safely run closer together, meaning they can run more often. The advanced technology will enable trains every two to three minutes – creating a true ‘turn-up-and-go’ train network for Melbourne.

The signalling will operate the 65 new high-capacity trains currently being built in Victoria, which will run on the Sunbury to Cranbourne-Pakenham line via the Metro Tunnel.

Construction is already underway, major works will start next year and the project will be completed by 2026.