A Webuild-led joint-venture (JV) has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Tunnels North contract of Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project in Australia. 

The JV, named Terra Verde, comprises Webuild, GS Engineering & Construction, and Bouygues Construction Australia. 

The SRL project is set to create a 90km rail line that will connect all train services from the Frankston Line to the Werribee Line via Melbourne Airport. 

The latest contract includes the design and construction of two 10km parallel tunnels and two station boxes in the region's eastern suburbs, set to be awarded later in the year. 

Commissioned by the SRL Authority, the project also includes the excavation of tunnels between the upcoming stations of Box Hill and Glen Waverley. 

It further comprises building 39 cross passages and one intervention and ventilation shaft.  

Four tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) will be employed for the excavation. 

SRL East is expected to connect destinations in Melbourne's east and south-east, transforming the city's public transport landscape and fostering growth in surrounding areas.  

Webuild previously contributed to the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop project, which originally opened in 1985. 

The company is currently working on projects across the country, expanding into new sectors through its local subsidiary, Clough. 

The latest announcement comes after Webuild completed the first segment of the railway doubling project for Rete Ferroviaria Italiana in Sicily, Italy. 

The completed section between Catania Bicocca and Catenanuova is part of the Palermo-Catania railway line.