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Work is set to begin in coming weeks on Stage 2 of Melbourne Airport’s long-awaited rail link.
Site investigations, procurement and development works on the section, which will include the rail line to the new Keilor East station, will be underway shortly, with community engagement and early designs next year. Major construction will begin in 2028, with trains to run to the station in 2031.
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“Melbourne needs a direct rail link to the airport, that’s why we’re getting on and delivering it. A new Keilor East Station will give locals direct access to the city via the Metro Tunnel,” said Victorian Premier Ben Carroll.
“Only Labor will fast-track a train line to Melbourne Airport, delivering more frequent services for Melbourne’s west and brand-new stations at Tottenham, Albion and Keilor East.”
Stage 1, including the widening of the rail corridor, works on Sunshine Station, and the section between West Footscray and Albion, is already underway, with builders shortlisted in April.
“Due for completion in 2030, Stage 1 will deliver more trains, more often on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines, and pave the way for the electrification of the Melton Line,” the Victorian and Federal Governments said in a joint press release.
“The Melbourne Airport Rail Steering Committee is continuing to work through options for the final stage of Airport Rail, Stage 3, which will include an above ground station at the Airport precinct.
“Once complete, Keilor East station will connect an estimated 5,200 passengers a day to the city. Another 6,600 passengers and airport workers are expected to use the new line every hour.”
The federal and state governments in February released early designs for the Sunshine superhub, with a $4.1 billion investment earmarked to “untangle the complex rail junction” and create space for the new airport rail link, which will join the Melbourne train network at the station.
The project will include six kilometres of new track, two rail bridges and realigned passenger and freight lines, with Sunshine to receive a longer concourse and two new platforms to link the airport rail with the Metro Tunnel and regional services.
Additionally, the Sunbury Line will be realigned to make room for the airport rail, with a new station to be built at Albion.
The airport rail link will have three stations – the interchange at Sunshine, a new station serving Keilor East and the Airport West precinct, and the airport itself. Passengers will be able to travel straight through from the airport to the city.
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