A direct link to Melbourne Airport providing more frequent and reliable train services for Melbourne's west, is one step closer.
Two consortiums have been shortlisted to deliver the final package of works for Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, which will untangle one of Victoria's busiest rail corridors to make way for a dedicated line to the airport and boost capacity across the network.
The two shortlisted consortiums to progress through a competitive tender process ahead of the contract being awarded next year are:
- CPB Contractors Pty Ltd, SMEC Australia
- FCC Construction, Martinus Rail, Arcadis, BG&E
The final package of works will widen the rail corridor - adding more tracks, building two new regional platforms at Sunshine Station and extending the station concourse.
The package will also deliver a new walking and cycling connection across the rail line, an upgraded bus interchange, as well as open space and new forecourts as part of the Victorian Government's $143 million upgrade to the Sunshine Station precinct.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 between West Footscray and Albion will increase capacity through the corridor and pave the way for further upgrades, including the electrification of the Melton Line.
The works will allow more than 1,000 trains a day through Sunshine - enabling more trains, more often for passengers on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines.
Early works on the project are already underway to relocate underground utilities between Albion and Sunshine and prepare the corridor for new rail infrastructure.
Crews are currently working from the Albion Station car park, laying large sections of pipeline ahead of tunnel boring next month.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 will be complete in 2030.
This project will deliver faster and more reliable journeys, direct connections to the Metro Tunnel, better walking and cycling connections to surrounding suburbs and two new stations at Tottenham and Albion, which is Victorian Government funded - as well as creating jobs for Victoria's booming west.
Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"Melbourne Airport rail will deliver faster, more reliable rail journeys from Melbourne Airport to the rest of Victoria."
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams:
"This project will deliver smoother journeys and create the capacity needed for more than 1,000 trains a day through Sunshine."
Quote attributable to State Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing:
"We're investing in the growing Sunshine Precinct - better services, more jobs, stronger business investment and the transport connections that help families live, work and play locally."
Quote attributable to Deputy Premier of Victoria and State Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll:
"We are getting on with the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project that will deliver a new station in Keilor East."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Fraser Daniel Mulino:
"This is a critical project that will deliver better public transport and create jobs across Melbourne's west."
Quote attributable to State Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly:
"This project will deliver more reliable public transport and make it easier for local families to get where they need to go."
Quote attributable to State Member for Footscray Katie Hall:
"Upgrading Sunshine Station will make it easier for people to connect to services and move across the network."
Quote attributable to State Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman:
"This project will deliver better connections and less time travelling for families in our growing community."
