The initial phase of the Melbourne Airport Rail project is set to commence, backed by a substantial $5.3 billion federal funding initiative aimed at boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and tackling congestion on suburban roads in Victoria.

Over $3.3 billion will be allocated to fresh road and rail undertakings across the state, with a focus on initiatives like the Melbourne Airport Rail that will introduce new transportation alternatives for people in Melbourne's western precincts.

The Federal Government is set to invest an additional $2 billion towards transforming Sunshine Station, aligning with its commitment to build the Melbourne Airport Rail — the next key step in the Suburban Rail Loop.

With this funding supplement, the Federal Government's total investment for the Tullamarine rail line construction amounts to $7 billion, surpassing its initial $5 billion commitment.

The Victorian Government will also bring forward its Melbourne Airport Rail funding to facilitate works at Sunshine Station, pivotal for propelling the Melbourne Airport Rail project and enhancing connectivity in the region.

This joint investment will revolutionise Sunshine Station, incorporating additional platforms and a dedicated spur line, positioning the station as a central hub for regional rail services interlinking with Melbourne Airport.

The comprehensive upgrade scheme, spanning over 6km from West Footscray to Albion, will encompass the construction of three new rail bridges, track enhancements, advanced signalling technology, and the realignment of passenger and freight lines to streamline this intricate rail network segment.

With design and planning processes well underway, construction is expected to commence in early 2026 and conclude in 2030.

The Victorian Government has underscored the significance of this upgrade as the fundamental initial step towards linking Melbourne Airport with Victoria's regional and metropolitan rail networks, facilitating increased train services for the growing communities of Melton and Wyndham Vale.

The Federal Government has emphasised the project's importance in enhancing services not only for airport-bound travellers but also for commuters in the western region, offering a direct airport link from Sunshine for passengers from regional Victoria.

Furthermore, travellers from the southeast will enjoy a seamless journey via the new Metro Tunnel.

The collaborative efforts of the Federal and Victorian governments aim to deliver essential projects to accommodate the growing population, including developments such as Melbourne Airport, North East Link, and the Suburban Rail Loop.

Additionally, both governments will jointly invest $1.2 billion in the Suburban Road Blitz initiative, focusing on expanding capacity and enhancing operational efficiency in the growing areas around Melbourne.

The initial set of projects, with works to commence later this year, include:

• Old Sydney Road Upgrade, Wallan ($45 million) 

• Evans Road Upgrade between Duff Street and Central Parkway in Cranbourne West ($30 million) 

• McLeod Road and Station Street Intersection Upgrade, Carrum ($3 million)

These projects are deemed transformative for the southeast and north regions by the Federal Government. Further projects will be determined in consultation with the Victorian Government.

The Federal Government's commitment to the Suburban Road Blitz includes a $1 billion contribution, complemented by a $200 million contribution from the Victorian Government.

The Federal Government said it will continue to deliver the investment Victoria needs, including: 

• $325 million towards the Melton line upgrade to increase the rail capacity by 50 per cent 

• $20.5 million towards planning for Melbourne Western Suburbs Rail upgrades 

• $7.05 million towards planning for Melbourne Northern Suburbs rail upgrades 

• Partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver $44.7 million of upgrades to the Princes Highway Corridor, with the funding split 50:50 and works to commence later in 2025 

• $10 million towards a business case to investigate upgrading key roads and structures across the High Productivity Freight Vehicle network, with the Victorian Government to deliver the other $10 million

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to building not just Australia's but also Victoria's future, stating “We want to make sure all Victorians have the services and the infrastructure they need now and into the future. We will partner with the Victorian Government to deliver rail upgrades, while also working to upgrade key roads to provide immediate congestion relief now. This is good for local jobs, good local businesses and good for commuters.”

Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allain, said, “We’re delighted to have a partner in Canberra who is investing in the infrastructure that Victorians need and delivering much needed projects for a growing population in the west, north and east.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, reiterated the importance of delivering essential upgrades to Sunshine Station and tackling congestion hotspots to facilitate the swift and secure movement of Melbourne's expanding populace within the city and its outskirts. “These projects will enhance the resilience and reliability of the transport network, better connecting people to where they live, work and play.”  

Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, said, “Reconfiguring Sunshine Station will not only create more capacity for more services, but also marks the first stage of works for Melbourne Airport Rail and paves the way for future upgrades to electrify the Melton Line.” 

Federal Member for Fraser, Daniel Mulino, said Melbourne’s west is growing at a quick rate and upgrading the Sunshine Station will help to accommodate this growth. “The Federal Government is delivering the world-class infrastructure people in Melbourne’s west need and deserve.”

 

Source: Infrastructure Magazine

 

 

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