T he final two stations of Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel are complete, paving the way for the long-awaited project to open by the end of the year – though the government remains tight-lipped on its exact launch date.

The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, held back-to-back press conferences on Sunday and Monday to announce the completion of Town Hall and State Library stations, joining Anzac, Arden and Parkville stations , which were handed over to Metro Trains in April.

Allan said the two stations were the most complex of the five, as the twin 9km tunnels had to be constructed underneath the existing City Loop.

As a result, State Library sits 36 metres below ground, Town Hall 27 metres – twice the depths of Anzac and Arden.

“The trams running down Swanston Street and directly above us, t

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