Melbourne Airport Rail construction is progressing steadily as Sunshine Station undergoes a major transformation to support rising demand and future airport connections. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Melbourne Airport Rail construction is progressing steadily as Sunshine Station undergoes a major transformation to support rising demand and future airport connections.
Concept design of Sunshine Station. Image: Victorian Government

The broader program spans six kilometers between West Footscray and Albion, split into five work packages: enabling works, freight line upgrades, metropolitan line upgrades, regional line improvements, and the Albion Station rebuild.

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Initial phases will use the alliance model from the Level Crossing Removal Project. The enabling works contract will be awarded in early 2026 and includes utility relocations and underground service protections essential for major rail construction.

The regional line upgrade will be offered to market, with a new alliance handling delivery. Existing alliance teams will manage remaining packages, including improvements to Albion Station and freight and metropolitan lines.

Melbourne Airport Rail to Boost Capacity in Western Suburbs

Sunshine Station will support over 40 trains per hour after upgrades, easing congestion and serving the growing west. This added capacity is key for future airport services and regional rail integration.

Project leaders confirmed that Melbourne Airport Rail tracks cannot proceed until Sunshine Station upgrades finish. This dependency has shaped the overall schedule and design phases already underway.

Melbourne Airport Rail Timeline Set for 2026–2030 Completion

Construction is set to begin in early 2026 and finish by 2030. The upgrades will turn Sunshine into a central hub, connecting suburban, regional, and airport services in a seamless network.

Authorities emphasized the long-term benefits of the Sunshine Station overhaul as part of the Melbourne Airport Rail initiative. The investment positions Victoria for stronger transport connections in the years ahead.

Source: roadsonline.com.au

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