The highly anticipated Melbourne Airport Rail Link is tracking ahead with works finally underway to create a fast, direct and reliable route to the airport, starting between West Footscray and Albion and transforming Sunshine into a major transport superhub.
Construction has started on the new Sunshine interchange, which represents a critical step in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) delivery.
The $4.1 billion joint federal and state investment will create space for the MARL and future electrified Melton services, both running through the Metro Tunnel.
The project includes six kilometres of new track between West Footscray and Albion, two rail bridges and realigned passenger and freight lines to remove bottlenecks and allow more trains more often.
Sunshine Station will be expanded with a longer concourse and two new regional platforms, enabling the connection of regional services, the Metro Tunnel and future airport trains in one central location.
The Victorian government will also invest $143 million in station precinct improvements, including walking and cycling links over the rail line, a modern bus interchange and new open spaces.
Federal Infrastructure & Transport Minister Catherine King said: “A rail link to Melbourne Airport has been talked about for as long as I can remember. “For people in Bendigo, Warrnambool, Geelong and my hometown of Ballarat these upgrades to Sunshine will change the way we move around the state.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams added: “Rebuilding Sunshine Station is the first stage of delivering Melbourne Airport Rail and it will help pave the way for more services across Melbourne’s west.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: The Melbourne Airport Rail Link will improve connectivity with faster, integrated rail access for locals and travellers, which could strengthen Melbourne’s gateway status and unlock smoother regional dispersal for visitors.
