Progress on Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit System (A/Min)

Construction of the $275 million Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit System stepped up a further cog today with the first work trains moving through the Roe Street tunnel.

Acting Transport Minister Jim McGinty said a work train carrying 137-metre lengths of rail line was on the northern side of the tunnel and the track laying was underway.

This afternoon, at around 2 pm, other trains would begin dropping metal ballast.

"This week will be a settling-in process for the track-laying gangs," Mr McGinty said.

"The real action will begin next week when the gangs begin to lay around 550 metres of the 29.5 km track each day."