THE construction giant which lost the East West Link contract has been handed $6 billion of work to build the Metro Tunnel.

Premier Daniel Andrews this morning announced a consortium led by Lendlease had won the competitive tender to build the twin 9km tunnels and five underground stations.

The package is believed to be worth about $6 billion, with the rest of the project’s $11 billion price tag covering the tunnel entrances, other station upgrades and signalling changes.

media_camera An artist impression of the Parkville station which will be part of the Metro Tunnel.

The winning consortium also includes John Holland, Bouygues Construction and Capella Capital.

Mr Andrews said the government was “building the turn-up-and-go train system Victoria has been waiting for”.

“We’ve chosen the design, we’ve chosen the builders and we’re getting on with it,” he said.

More than 5000 jobs are expected to be created by the tunnel project, which is due for completion in 2026.

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Early works on the Metro Tunnel have already begun and major construction will kick off next year.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the tunnel would free up space in the City Loop to run more trains through the city.

“The Metro Tunnel will change Melbourne forever with a world class design that will see new open space, terraced seating and sweeping arches,” she said.

tom.minear@news.com.au

@tminear

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