Melbourne’s west will undergo a major rail upgrade, with early designs unveiling two rebuilt stations at Tottenham and Albion as part of the long-awaited Melbourne Airport Rail project.
Two stations with one major overhaul
The new stations will form a key part of Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, a multibillion-dollar push to untangle Melbourne’s most complex rail junction outside the CBD and pave the way for a direct train line to the airport.
Workers are already upgrading more than six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion, while planners expect the broader project to dramatically increase capacity through Sunshine, which they have earmarked as a “transport superhub” capable of handling up to 1,000 trains a day.
What’s changing at Tottenham?
Planners will relocate Tottenham Station slightly north of its current site and rebuild it along the realigned Sunbury Line, focusing on improving safety and accessibility.
Plans include a wider, more secure underpass connecting both sides of the line, linking Rupert Street to Sunshine Road and separated from Ashley Street to improve pedestrian safety.
Passengers will also benefit from new platforms fitted with lifts, stairs, lighting and weather protection, making it easier to move between the station and surrounding neighbourhoods. Footscray MP Katie Hall said the rebuild would make it “easier and safer to access public transport and move through the precinct.”
A new look for Albion
Planners will also rebuild Albion Station a short trip up the line, shifting it slightly east to make way for upgraded infrastructure. The new design features an accessible pedestrian overpass with lifts and stairs leading to a central platform, alongside improved lighting, shelters, seating and signage.
Plans also include a new station plaza with landscaping, seating and bike hoops, as well as upgraded pedestrian links to surrounding streets including Sydney Street, Ballarat Road service road bus bays and Talmage and Ferguson streets.
Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said the upgrade would “improve accessibility and better connect the local community.”
How this fits into Melbourne’s Airport Rail
The Victorian and Federal governments are jointly funding the $4.1 billion project, which state authorities have positioned as a long-term investment in fast-growing suburbs like Sunshine, Footscray and beyond.
Alongside delivering a rail link to Melbourne Airport, the works will also enable electrification of the Melton Line, unlocking more frequent and reliable services for outer-west communities.
Member for Sunbury Josh Bull said the project would support growing areas by allowing “more trains, more often for passengers in Victoria’s north and west.”
Construction is already underway, with crews currently relocating underground services between Albion and Sunshine in preparation for major rail works. Both stations are slated for completion by 2030.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said the new stations would serve local communities well into the future. “New stations at Albion and Tottenham will provide modern facilities for locals to enjoy for generations to come,” she said.
Finally, residents can view the early designs and provide feedback via the Victorian Government’s Engage platform here.