PRELIMINARY work has begun on Melbourne’s airport rail link, starting with the $A 4.1bn ($US 2.89bn) redevelopment of Sunshine station as a transport hub connecting the new airport line to the rest of the city’s commuter network.
The project will simplify the currently complex junction and provide space for the airport rail link tracks. Work includes laying 6km of new track, constructing two rail bridges and realigning passenger and freight tracks.
Sunshine station will have a longer concourse and two new platforms to connect the airport rail link directly to the Metro Tunnel, which opened fully last month, and regional rail services. The Sunbury Line will be realigned to make room for the airport rail link with a new station to be built at Albion. Work is due to completed in 2030.
The airport rail link itself will have two new stations, at Keilor East, serving the Airport West precinct, and at Melbourne Airport. There will be direct services between the airport and the city centre.
“A rail link to Melbourne Airport has been talked about for as long as I can remember,” says federal transport minister, Catherine King. “The upgrade to Sunshine station will change the way we move around the state.”
A contract to deliver an enabling works package, including utility diversion has been awarded to a consortium of McConnell Dowell, Arup, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and Vida Rail.
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