State Library railway station
{{Short description|Planned railway station in Melbourne CBD, Victoria, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox station
| style = Melbourne
| name = State Library
| type = Future PTV rapid transit station
| image = State_Library_station_Melbourne_under_construction_2025.jpg
| alt =
| caption = State entrance under construction, March 2025.
| address = Swanston Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| borough = City of Melbourne
| country = Australia
| coordinates = {{coord|-37.8076312|144.9623925}}
| owned = VicTrack
| operator = Metro Trains
| line = Sunshine–Dandenong
| distance = 9.35 kilometres from
Southern Cross
| platforms = 2
| tracks = 2
| train_operators =
| connections = {{plainlist|
- {{rint|Melbourne|met train}} Melbourne Central:
- {{nbsp|6}}{{rcb|Melbourne|Hurstbridge|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Mernda|croute}}
- {{nbsp|6}}{{rcb|Melbourne|Frankston|croute}}
- {{nbsp|6}}{{rcb|Melbourne|Lilydale|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Belgrave|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Alamein|croute}}{{efn|Weekday pre-peak and post-peak only}}
- {{nbsp|6}}{{rcb|Melbourne|Glen Waverley|croute}}
- {{nbsp|6}}{{rcb|Melbourne|Craigieburn|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Upfield|croute}}
- {{rint|Melbourne|tram|link=Trams in Melbourne}} Tram
}}
| structure = Underground
| parking =
| bicycle =
| accessible = Yes—step free access
| code = STL
| zone = Myki Zone 1
| website = [https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/construction/cbd/state-library State Library station]
| opening = 2025 (scheduled)
| closed =
| electrified = Yes (1500 V DC overhead)
| status = Under construction
| mpassengers =
| services = {{Adjacent stations
|system1=Melbourne
|line3=SunburyM|right3=Parkville|left3=Town Hall
}}
| route_map = {{Routemap
|inline=1
|legend=track
|map=
tSTR!~MFADEg\tSTR!~MFADEg~~ ~~ ~~to {{stl|Melbourne|Parkville}}
tSTRg\tSTRf
tPSTR(L)!~*1__align=r\tPSTR(R)
tPSTR(L)\tPSTR(R)!~*2__align=l
tSTRg\tSTRf
tSTR!~MFADEf\tSTR!~MFADEf~~ ~~ ~~to {{stl|Melbourne|Town Hall}}
}}
| map_state = expanded
}}
State Library railway station is an under-construction rapid transit railway station on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines, serving the Melbourne CBD in Victoria, Australia. When opened as part of the Metro Tunnel project, State Library will be an underground premium station, featuring an island platform with two platforms. The station will connect directly to Melbourne Central station via an underground concourse.
The station will feature two street-level entrances on La Trobe and Franklin Streets and is named for the nearby State Library of Victoria. It will provide direct access to RMIT University, Melbourne City Baths, Melbourne Central shopping centre and the nearby Queen Victoria Market. Construction commenced in 2018 with the station scheduled to open in 2025.
History
In December 2008, the proposal for a new underground rail corridor running north-south through the Melbourne CBD was incorporated into the Brumby Ministry's Victorian Transport Plan after originally featuring in a report from Rod Eddington.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/brumby-transport-plan-adds-billions-to-eddington-price-tag-20081209-6uzb.html|title=Brumby transport plan adds billions to Eddington price tag|last=Lucas|first=Clay|date=2008-12-09|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=2018-07-27}} It was to be built in two stages: the first from Footscray to St Kilda Road, and the second continuing to Caulfield. The need for a new rail corridor and stations through the CBD was identified in an effort to reduce congestion on the City Loop, enabling more frequent and reliable services across Melbourne's railway network.{{Cite web|url=https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/about-the-project/faq|title=Frequently asked questions|website=metrotunnel.vic.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-07-27}}
Following a change of State Government, in 2012/2013 the Baillieu and Napthine Ministries announced a revised plan with the tunnel instead running from South Kensington to South Yarra along a similar route to the original proposal.{{Cite news|url=https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2014/05/07/will-napthines-new-route-ruin-melbournes-metro/|title=Will Napthine's new route ruin Melbourne's Metro? - The Urbanist|date=2014-05-07|work=The Urbanist|access-date=2018-07-27|language=en-US}} The revised project included five underground stations, including one under the working title "CBD North" and was listed as the highest-priority infrastructure project in Melbourne by Infrastructure Australia.{{Cite web|url=http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/2017/2017_01_20.aspx|title=Infrastructure Australia positively assesses Melbourne Metro and Murray Basin Rail business cases|website=Infrastructure Australia|access-date=2018-07-27}}
The project went unfunded due largely to tension between the state and federal governments. In February 2015 the proposal was revived by the newly elected Andrews Ministry with construction to commence in 2018 and the tunnel and stations planned to open in 2026. The total cost of the project is A$11 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/911b-melbourne-metro-swanston-street-project-to-go-ahead-daniel-andrews-20150416-1mm3wh.html|title=$9-11b Melbourne Metro Swanston Street project to go ahead: Daniel Andrews|last=Lucas|first=Clay|date=2015-04-16|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=2018-07-27}}
The Metro Tunnel project began in 2015, with early works commencing on the two central business district (CBD) station sites in 2017.{{Cite web |title=Work Begins On The Melbourne Metro Rail Project {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/work-begins-melbourne-metro-rail-project |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Dow |first1=Aisha |last2=Lucas |first2=Clay |date=16 January 2017 |title=CBD roads to be closed for years as Melbourne Metro Tunnel construction begins |language=en |work=The Age |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/cbd-roads-to-be-closed-for-years-as-melbourne-metro-tunnel-construction-begins-20170116-gts2cp.html |url-status=live |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619035724/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/cbd-roads-to-be-closed-for-years-as-melbourne-metro-tunnel-construction-begins-20170116-gts2cp.html |archive-date=19 June 2018}} Major station works at State Library began in 2018.{{Cite web |title=Station Construction Underway On The Metro Tunnel {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/station-construction-underway-metro-tunnel |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en}} Sections of A'Beckett and Franklin streets were closed off and acoustic sheds constructed to minimise noise and dust, while small commercial buildings on the corner of Swanston and La Trobe streets were demolished to construct an access shaft for excavation.{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Aisha Dow, Clay |date=2017-01-16 |title=CBD roads to be closed for years as Melbourne Metro Tunnel construction begins |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/cbd-roads-to-be-closed-for-years-as-melbourne-metro-tunnel-construction-begins-20170116-gts2cp.html |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=The Age |language=en}}
Cross Yarra Partnership, led by Lendlease, was named as the preferred bidder for the construction contract in July 2017 and designs for the project's five stations were presented by the consortium were released publicly, as well as details of connections to existing stations and streetscapes.{{cite news |last1=Lillebuen |first1=Steve |date=16 July 2017 |title=Metro Tunnel: Melbourne's changing face revealed as consortium named for $11 billion project |language=en |work=The Age |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/metro-tunnel-melbournes-changing-face-revealed-as-consortium-named-for-11-billion-project-20170716-gxc4yi.html |url-status=live |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624092900/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/metro-tunnel-melbournes-changing-face-revealed-as-consortium-named-for-11-billion-project-20170716-gxc4yi.html |archive-date=24 June 2018}} Updated designs were released in 2018, and major construction commenced on the station that year.{{cite news |date=30 May 2018 |title=Sweeping archways, open spaces for Melbourne's new 'landmark' stations |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-30/metro-tunnel--designs-anzac-town-hall-state-library-parkville/9814890 |url-status=live |access-date=30 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530093536/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-30/metro-tunnel--designs-anzac-town-hall-state-library-parkville/9814890 |archive-date=30 May 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Turbet |first1=Hanna Mills |date=30 May 2018 |title=Melbourne Metro Tunnel station designs revealed |language=en |work=The Age |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-metro-tunnel-station-designs-revealed-20180530-p4zibt.html |url-status=live |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624063947/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-metro-tunnel-station-designs-revealed-20180530-p4zibt.html |archive-date=24 June 2018}}
In August 2017, the Government launched a naming competition for the five new railway stations to be constructed as part of the Metro Rail Project.{{Cite news|url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/make-your-mark-name-our-five-new-stations/|title=Make Your Mark – Name Our Five New Stations|date=2017-08-27|work=Premier of Victoria|access-date=2018-07-27|language=en-US}} Following over 50,000 submissions, in November 2017 State Library was announced as the winning entry for the working-title CBD North station due to its proximity to the landmark State Library of Victoria building.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/metro-tunnel-new-train-station-names-revealed-20171129-gzurqd.html|title=Metro Tunnel: New train station names revealed|last=Jacks|first=Steve Lillebuen, Timna|date=2017-11-29|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=2018-07-27}}
In July 2019, road-headers broke through at State Library connecting two excavated caverns, with four road-headers used on the station in total.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2021-01-28 |title=Breakthrough at State Library Station |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/2019/breakthrough-at-state-library-station |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} The first Tunnel Boring Machine, named Joan, broke through to State Library station in December 2020 before continuing south to Town Hall station.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2021-11-03 |title=TBM Joan arrives at State Library Station |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/2020/tbm-joan-arrives-at-state-library-station |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} Tunneling was completed in April 2021.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2021-04-14 |title=Tunnel boring machines Joan and Millie complete their work on the Metro Tunnel |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/2021/two-tunnel-boring-machines-complete-their-work-on-the-metro-tunnel |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} After the laying of track, Platform Screen Doors began being installed at State Library in early 2023.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2023-02-02 |title=Victorian-first platform screen doors installed in Metro Tunnel |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/Victorian-first-platform-screen-doors-installed-in-Metro-Tunnel |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}
In June 2023, the first above-ground structures of the main station entrance on the corner of Swanston and La Trobe streets were built, with large oversized beams craned in overnight to sit above the main bank of escalators.{{Cite web |date=July 2023 |title=Monthly construction update: State Library Station |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/780309/MT-SL-construction-update-July-2023.pdf |website=Big Build: Metro Tunnel}} Works began on the underground connection between State Library and the existing Melbourne Central station, including new escalators to the Melbourne Central platforms. Excavation at the La Trobe street site was completed in July 2023, marking the end of excavation across the Metro Tunnel project, and the first State Library acoustic sheds were planned to be dismantled in August.{{Cite web |date=27 July 2023 |title=Works notice: Scrubber and acoustic shed removal at La Trobe Street site |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/785927/MT-SL-scrubber-shed-removal-La-Trobe-Street-site.pdf |website=Big Build: Metro Tunnel}}
Design
File:Melbourne Metro Tunnel State Library station construction site 2018.jpg adjoins the construction site.]]
The initial build method chosen for construction was cut-and-cover, however this was changed to a deeper, mined station in order to avoid significant disruption and to keep trams running along the world's busiest tram corridor, Swanston Street.{{cite news |last1=Willingham |first1=Richard |last2=Carey |first2=Adam |date=21 October 2015 |title=Melbourne Metro rail: Tunnels to go deeper underground to keep trams running |language=en-AU |work=The Age |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-metro-rail-project-trams-to-keep-running-along-swanston-street-20151020-gke9tj.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625073423/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-metro-rail-project-trams-to-keep-running-along-swanston-street-20151020-gke9tj.html |archive-date=25 June 2016 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |date=5 November 2015 |title=Melbourne Metro to close busy city streets for up to three years, including Domain Road |language=en-AU |work=The Age |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-metro-to-close-busy-city-streets-for-up-to-three-years-including-domain-road-20151105-gkrkwi.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313132136/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-metro-to-close-busy-city-streets-for-up-to-three-years-including-domain-road-20151105-gkrkwi.html |archive-date=13 March 2017 |df=dmy-all}} The station platforms sit {{Convert|36|m|ftin}} below Swanston Street, the city's deepest station, due to the need to sit below the existing four City Loop tunnels.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2021-11-03 |title=Metro Tunnel taking shape deep below Swanston Street |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/2020/metro-tunnel-taking-shape-deep-below-swanston-street |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}
Like Town Hall station, State Library is designed using a unique "trinocular" construction method involving three large, overlapping mined tunnels with vaulted ceilings.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2022-03-03 |title=Exploring State Library Station's trinocular design |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/exploring-state-library-station-trinocular-design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517003711/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/exploring-state-library-station-trinocular-design |archive-date=17 May 2022 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} Large arches will define the {{Convert|230|m|ftin|adj=on}} long platforms.{{Cite web |title=Town Hall Station shaping as a new city landmark |url=https://www.cbdnews.com.au/town-hall-station-shaping-as-a-new-city-landmark |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=www.cbdnews.com.au |language=en}}
The station was designed by architects RSHP, Hassell and Weston Williamson.{{Cite web |date=10 August 2021 |title=Updated Melbourne Metro Tunnel station design unveiled |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/updated-melbourne-metro-tunnel-station-design-unveiled/ |website=Architecture Australia}}
= Art =
Australian artist Danie Mellor has been commissioned to create a permanent artwork for the station as part of the Metro Tunnel's legacy artwork program.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2022-08-02 |title=Artists selected for permanent Metro Tunnel station artworks |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/2022/albert-road-reserve-pop-up-park-wins-gold-at-melbourne-design-awards/artists-selected-for-permanent-Metro-Tunnel-station-artworks |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} In 2024 it was revealed that this artwork would be printed glass panels forming the station's large glass facade on its La Trobe Street entrance.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2024-02-03 |title=Danie Mellor – State Library Station |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/community/art/legacy-artwork/station-artworks/danie-mellor |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} The artwork will be a collage of Mellor's photography and historical portraits of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung women sourced from the nearby State Library of Victoria.
State Library station precinct
File:State Libray of Victoria (Main Entrance & Forecourt - Swanston St), Melbourne.jpg, for which the station is named.]]
The railway station is located below Swanston Street between La Trobe and Streets in the northern edges of Melbourne's CBD.{{cite web|title=CBD stations construction plans|url=http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/construction/cbd/constructing-cbd-stations|website=Metro Tunnel|publisher=Melbourne Metro Rail Authority|access-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621080010/http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/construction/cbd/constructing-cbd-stations|archive-date=21 June 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} The station will connect with Melbourne Central station via a pedestrian walkway, enabling transfer from other metropolitan lines and will have entrances at the corner of Latrobe/Swanston Street and Franklin/Swanston Street, enabling more convenient access to City Baths and Queen Victoria Market.{{cite web|url=http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/construction/cbd/cbd-north-location-and-access|title=CBD North Station location and access|website=Metro Tunnel|publisher=Melbourne Metro Rail Authority|language=en-AU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621080430/http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/construction/cbd/cbd-north-location-and-access|archive-date=21 June 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 June 2017|df=dmy-all}} Tram services will be accessible on Swanston and La Trobe Streets.{{cn|date=June 2024}}
Updated precinct designs for State Library were released in 2022, which included the installation of separated bike lanes on Franklin Street.{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=24 March 2022 |title=Latest plans unveiled for State Library Station and surrounds |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/2022/latest-plans-unveiled-for-state-library-station-and-surrounds |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} In July 2023, plans were released by the City of Melbourne for a redesign of Franklin Street between the northern entrance to State Library and a new public square at the Queen Victoria Market.{{Cite web |last=Wikramanayake |first=Marisa |date=11 July 2023|title=Queen Victoria Market's Square and Street Go Public |url=https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/queen-victoria-market-square-community-consultation-july-2023-update |access-date=27 July 2023 |website=The Urban Developer |language=en}} The plans include a narrowing of Franklin Street and the creation of separated bike lanes and 1,250 square metres of linear park, a continuation of the Franklin Street works being delivered by the Metro Tunnel project.
Services
The services from 2025 are the following:
Platform 1:
- {{RouteBox|Sunshine Dandenong Line|Metro Tunnel|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunshine-Dandenong corridor}}|white}} All stations and limited express services to Sunbury
Platform 2:
- {{RouteBox|Sunshine Dandenong Line|Metro Tunnel|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunshine-Dandenong corridor}}|white}} Express services to East Pakenham and Cranbourne{{Cite web|title=Network Development Plan|url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/PTV_Network-Development-Plan_Metropolitan-Rail_2016update.pdf}}
Transport Links
Passengers can use Melbourne Central Station to connect to other Metro Trains services from State Library Station
- {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}} all stations and limited stop services to Hurstbridge
- {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}} all stations and limited stop services to Mernda
- {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}} all stations and limited stop services to Lilydale
- {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}} all stations and limited stop services to Belgrave
- {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}} all stations and limited stop services to Glen Waverley
- {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}} weekday all stations and limited stop services to Alamein
- {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}} all stations and limited stop services to Craigieburn
- {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}} all stations and limited stop services to Upfield
Yarra Trams operates 10 services outside RMIT University Franklin Street (Stop 7) and Latrobe Street next to Melbourne Central Station.
Swanston Street
- File:Melbourne tram route 1 icon.svg: East Coburg – South Melbourne Beach{{cite PTV route|1|mode=tram}}
- File:Melbourne tram route 3 icon.svg: Melbourne University – East Malvern{{cite PTV route|3-3a|mode=tram}}
- File:Melbourne tram route 5 icon.svg: Melbourne University – Malvern{{cite PTV route|5|mode=tram}}
- File:Melbourne tram route 6 icon.svg: Moreland – Glen Iris{{cite PTV route|6|mode=tram}}
- File:Melbourne tram route 16 icon.svg: Melbourne University – Kew{{cite PTV route|16|mode=tram}}
- File:Melbourne tram route 64 icon.svg: Melbourne University – East Brighton{{cite PTV route|64|mode=tram}}
- File:Melbourne tram route 67 icon.svg: Melbourne University – Carnegie{{cite PTV route|67|mode=tram}}
- File:Melbourne tram route 72 icon.svg: Melbourne University – Camberwell{{cite PTV route|72|mode=tram}}
La Trobe Street
Gallery
File:Melbourne Metro Tunnel State Library station construction site A'Beckett St 2019.jpg|State Library station acoustic shed at A'Beckett Street, July 2019
File:SL Station Feb 2024.jpg|State Library station under construction,
February 2024
File:Structure of entrance to new State Library Station under construction on corner of La Trobe Street and Swanston Street, Melbourne.jpg|Construction progress, June 2024.
File:State Library Station.jpg|Construction progress, 2024.
File:State Library station Melbourne main entrance under construction 2025.jpg|Artwork installed as part of entrance construction, March 2025.
References
{{Reflist}}