Melbourne Airport Rail Construction Narrows to Two Contenders
Two construction consortiums have emerged as finalists for the Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 project. This initiative aims to provide a direct rail connection to Melbourne Airport, streamlining transport in the region.
Shortlisted Consortiums for Melbourne Airport Rail
On April 13, the Victorian and federal governments announced that CPB Contractors in partnership with SMEC Australia and a second consortium consisting of FCC Construction, Martinus Rail, Arcadis, and BG&E will be advancing to the tender process. The selected consortium will receive a contract expected to be finalized next year.
Significant Upgrades at Sunshine Station
The scope of work includes widening the rail corridor between West Footscray and Albion. Key components of the project involve:
- Adding new tracks
- Constructing two regional platforms at Sunshine Station
- Extending the station concourse
Sunshine Station is set to become a superhub, linking V/Line regional services, Metro Tunnel trains, and future airport services at a single interchange. This upgrade also introduces a new walking and cycling path across the rail line, revamps the bus interchange, and increases public space as part of a $143 million investment into the Sunshine Station precinct.
Creating a Cultural Destination
A recent $7.5 million investment will create a public plaza and arts hub along Clarke Street, transforming Sunshine Station into a cultural landmark for Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Enhancing Rail Capacity
Upon completion, the Stage 1 works will facilitate over 1,000 train journeys daily through Sunshine, allowing for increased service frequency on the Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo lines. This initiative also sets the groundwork for the electrification of the Melton Line and a dedicated airport line.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, emphasized that the Melbourne Airport Rail will provide quicker and more reliable connections from the airport to other parts of Victoria. Meanwhile, Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, noted that the project aims to ease travel and boost capacity at Sunshine Station.
Progress and Future Developments
Initial works are already in motion, including relocating underground utilities between Albion and Sunshine. Crews are working on laying significant pipeline sections ahead of upcoming tunnel boring activities. This includes the realignment of the jet fuel pipeline, which supplies Melbourne Airport, through a 2km bore situated 30 meters underground.
Future Expansion of the Rail Network
Stage 1 will also introduce two new stations at Tottenham and Albion, both funded by the Victorian government. This initiative is part of a larger overhaul of Melbourne’s train network, which includes the introduction of the new X’Trapolis 2.0 fleet and the development of the east coast high-speed rail corridor. The total funding for Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 is jointly provided by the Victorian and federal governments, amounting to $4.1 billion, with an anticipated completion date of 2030.