Melbourne Airport Rail project: Sunshine superhub plans emerge

Melbourne Airport Rail project concept designs have been released for the first stage. As reported by Railway Supply, the plans show how stations and rail infrastructure across Melbourne’s west could be reshaped to support a future dedicated airport line.

What the Melbourne Airport Rail project stage one covers?

As outlined by Victoria’s Big Build, the package centres on the West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade, a 4.1 billion AUD program intended to ease long-standing bottlenecks and create space for the airport tracks. Also, the plans set out major changes at key locations, including a transformation of Sunshine Station into what planners have described as a “superhub”.

Sunshine Station “superhub” and interchange upgrades

Concept images show a revamped Sunshine Station with an extended concourse, plus two additional platforms and tracks reserved for regional services. The redesigned layout is intended to strengthen connections between regional lines and the future airport route, while also supporting the planned electrification of services to Melton.

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Stage one of the Sunshine Station masterplan includes a pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning the rail corridor, an upgraded bus interchange, and a newly landscaped forecourt with open space at each entrance. Officials say the works are intended to create a more accessible and better integrated transport precinct.

Meanwhile, transport planners estimate that, once completed, the upgraded junction will support more than 1,000 train movements each day through Sunshine. That is presented as reflecting the station’s larger role in Melbourne’s network.

New Tottenham Station on a realigned Sunbury Line

Separately, a new Tottenham Station is planned along a realigned section of the Sunbury Line, replacing the existing facility. The modern station design includes step-free access and a pedestrian underpass connecting both sides of the rail line and the northern car park.

Authorities say relocating the station is intended to reduce passenger disruption during construction and allow services to move more quickly to the new site. Detailed designs are expected later this year, with building work scheduled to begin in 2027.

Track realignment, elevated rail and Albion Station plans

A core element of the Melbourne Airport Rail project stage is the overhaul of the complex junction between West Footscray and Albion. Plans call for six kilometres of elevated track and two rail bridges to separate six regional and metropolitan lines, removing a major constraint on service frequency.

In addition, the Sunbury Line between Sunshine and West Footscray would be realigned to make room for the airport tracks and a future electrified line to Melton. Extensive signalling upgrades are also planned to enable more frequent services across the corridor.

A rebuilt Albion Station is proposed as well, with modern passenger facilities and improved accessibility.

Early works, enabling contract and community feedback

Preliminary construction activity has already begun, focusing on the relocation of underground utilities and preparation of service corridors. An enabling works contract has been awarded to a consortium including McConnell Dowell, Arup, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and VIDA Rail.

At the same time, residents and passengers are being invited to comment on the emerging designs through the Engage Victoria consultation platform. Feedback is expected to help shape features such as open spaces, walking and cycling links, and the overall layout of the Sunshine precinct.

Overall, the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project is positioned as a key step toward delivering a long-awaited train connection to the airport while boosting capacity across Melbourne’s western suburbs. Further design updates and construction milestones are expected over the coming months.

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