We have been waiting for a train to the airport for decades. And, after Melbourne Airport agreed to an above-ground station in 2024, we are steadily inching closer to making this a reality. The first step will be transforming Sunshine into a massive transport hub, adding new platforms to create a rail link to Melbourne Airport. Today, the government released early designs for this upgrade, and announced that construction has begun. They aim to have the works complete by 2030.
Melbourne Airport Rail Link construction begins at Sunshine
This $4.1 billion join investment from the Australian and Victorian government will create space for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and enable the electrification of the Melton line. There will be six kilometres of new track, spanning from West Footscray to Albion, as well as two rail bridges and realigned passenger and freight lines.
Sunshine Station will have a longer concourse, and two new regional platforms. This Superhub will connect regional services, the Metro Tunnel and the airport rail line in one space.
Once all the projects are complete, it will allow over 1000 daily train services through Sunshine.
The upgrades will also include improvements to the station, such as a new entrance canopy, upgraded lighting and CCTV, a dedicated pedestrian and cycling link over the rail line and an upgraded bus interchange.
“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,” said Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams.
More upgrades
The Sunbury train line will be realigned in order to make way for the airport rail, and a future electrified Melton line. As a result, there will be a new, fully accessible Tottenham Station. The station will have a new pedestrian underpass, providing better connections to both sides of the rail line. Early designs for Tottenham will be released in the coming months, and construction for this will begin next year.
A new Albion Station will also be built, offering modern and accessible facilities for passengers.
If you’d like to learn more about the Sunshine Superhub, click here. In the meantime, you can take the Skybus to the airport from Sunshine.