The rail line Melbourne has argued about for decades has now moved from talking point to active worksite, with construction underway on the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project at Sunshine.
Crews have begun works between West Footscray and Albion, targeting the rail junction at Sunshine — one of the network’s most congested and operationally tangled choke points.
The $4.1 billion package is designed to rebuild the western rail corridor’s “spine”, creating the track capacity and alignment needed to run more services more reliably, including future Melbourne Airport trains and electrified Melton services through the Metro Tunnel.
The stage-one build includes around six kilometres of new track, two new rail bridges and major realignment works that separate passenger and freight movements — a practical reset aimed at removing bottlenecks that have long throttled the west.
In the middle of the project’s political and technical sell, ministers say the breakthrough is simple: this work is what makes the airport rail link physically possible.
“A rail link to Melbourne Airport has been talked about for as long as I can remember, but it has taken two Labor Governments working together to get this started for the people of Victoria,” said Federal Transport Minister Catherine King.
“For people in Bendigo, Warrnambool, Geelong and my hometown of Ballarat, these upgrades to Sunshine will change the way we move around the state.” said King
The airport rail link will have three stations – the interchange at Sunshine, a new station serving Keilor East and the Airport West precinct, and the airport itself. Passengers will be able to travel straight through from the airport to the city.
Sunshine Station will be expanded into a larger interchange, with plans for a longer concourse and two new regional platforms, supported by lighting and CCTV upgrades. The intent is to turn Sunshine into the hinge point between regional trains, Metro Tunnel services and the future airport line.
According to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, the works will pave the way for the airport link.
“Airport rail is dependent on the works that happen here, between the Sunshine and West Footscray to Albion section,” said Williams
“I’ve outlined a few reasons why that’s so critically important in terms of Melbourne Airport rail, and why it’s critical to that particular project,”
“It’s because we need to realign the track to make way for the new Melbourne Airport alignment. So, you need to effectively make space for that new track. Obviously, moving what’s underground. In this case, a very significant jet fuel pipeline is a part of that.
“So, that is work that has to be done before you can commence that other more visible above-ground work, and we’re getting on and getting started with that work while we’re up for consultation on the Sunshine Station aspects of this project.” she said.
A new fully accessible Tottenham Station is also planned on the realigned Sunbury Line, with construction expected to start next year. Separately funded works will also deliver a new Albion Station with upgraded facilities.
Around Sunshine, a further $143 million has been allocated to reshape the precinct — including improved walking and cycling links, a rebuilt bus interchange and new public spaces — as the state seeks to match transport capacity with the commuter reality on the ground.
