The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments are getting on with building Melbourne Airport Rail.
A preferred bidder has been chosen to transform Sunshine Station into a transport superhub.
The Network Integration Program Alliance, comprising CPB Contractors and SMEC, will deliver the works.
The Stage 1 works include:
Two new platforms for regional trains
An extended concourse
New forecourts on both sides of the station
An upgraded bus interchange.
The upgrades will transform Sunshine Station into a six-platform superhub and untangle six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion, creating capacity for 1,000 trains a day.
Due for completion in 2030, Stage 1 will enable more trains, more often on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines, and pave the way for future electrification of the Melton and Wyndham Vale Lines.
Work is already rolling, with three of five Stage 1 packages already awarded for works to relocate underground utilities, reconfigure tracks, build new rail bridges, and build the new Tottenham Station.
The fifth and final works package for construction of the new Albion Station will be awarded in 2027.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 2 works are starting in coming weeks and will be complete in 2031, when passenger trains will run to a new Keilor East station.
The line will connect directly to the Metro Tunnel and feature the same high-capacity signalling to enable frequent services.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Premier and State Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll:
"Victorians need a rail link to the airport - and only Labor is delivering it.
"We said we'd build Airport Rail, and we are. Delivering these upgrades at Sunshine is a critical step to delivering a rail line to the airport."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"Melbourne Airport Rail is a nation-building project, and this Sunshine upgrade is a big step towards delivering it.
"The Albanese Government is proud to fund this project that will better connect Victorians to where they live and work."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward:
"We're getting on with Melbourne Airport Rail, with a preferred bidder chosen to transform Sunshine into a transport superhub.
"Untangling the tracks will create capacity for 1,000 trains a day, including future airport services."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Fraser Dr Daniel Mulino:
"Airport Rail is delivering benefits across the west, including new stations at Albion and Tottenham. Today we take the next step by announcing the preferred contractor to deliver the Sunshine Superhub."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Maribyrnong Jo Briskey:
"The Sunshine Superhub's extra platforms mean commuters in Keilor East, Keilor Park and Airport West will have direct access to the Metro Tunnel for the first time."
Quote attributable to State Member for Footscray Katie Hall:
"Only Labor is delivering a new Tottenham station, connecting to the Sunshine Superhub, as part of Melbourne Airport Rail."
Quote attributable to State Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly:
"This is great news for our area - delivering a bigger, better Sunshine Station and a big step towards airport rail."
Quote attributable to State Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman:
"Our community is going to benefit enormously from Airport Rail, with local jobs, better public transport and new opportunities for the next generation."
