Melbourne Airport Rail takes a major step forward as construction consortiums are named for the Sunshine corridor rebuild.
Two construction consortiums have been shortlisted to deliver the final package of works for Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, bringing a direct rail connection to Melbourne airport closer to reality.
The Victorian and federal governments confirmed on 13 April that CPB Contractors alongside SMEC Australia, and a second consortium of FCC Construction, Martinus Rail, Arcadis and BG&E will progress through a competitive tender process. A contract is expected to be awarded next year.
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Melbourne Airport Rail will reshape Sunshine Station
The final works package centres on widening the rail corridor between West Footscray and Albion — adding new tracks, building two regional platforms at Sunshine Station and extending the station concourse. Sunshine is being transformed into a superhub that will connect V/Line regional services, Metro Tunnel trains and future airport services from a single interchange.
The package also includes a new walking and cycling connection across the rail line, an upgraded bus interchange and public open space as part of the Victorian government’s $143 million upgrade to the Sunshine Station precinct. A $7.5 million investment announced last week will deliver a public plaza and arts hub on Clarke Street, positioning this Melbourne train station as a cultural destination for the entire western region.
More than 1,000 trains a day through Melbourne’s west
Once complete, the Stage 1 works will enable more than 1,000 trains a day through Sunshine, unlocking capacity for more frequent services on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines. The upgrade also paves the way for the electrification of the Melton Line and a future dedicated line to the airport.
“Melbourne Airport Rail will deliver faster, more reliable rail journeys from Melbourne Airport to the rest of Victoria,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams added: “This project will deliver smoother journeys and create the capacity needed for more than 1,000 trains a day through Sunshine.”
Early works are already underway to relocate underground utilities between Albion and Sunshine. Crews are currently working from the Albion Station car park, laying large sections of pipeline ahead of tunnel boring next month. The jet fuel pipeline running beneath the corridor — Melbourne Airport’s main fuel supply — is being realigned through a 2km bore 30 metres underground.
A Melbourne train station network built for growth
Stage 1 will also deliver two entirely new stations at Tottenham and Albion, both funded by the Victorian government. Combined with the new X’Trapolis 2.0 fleet entering service this year and the east coast high speed rail corridor progressing through its development phase, Melbourne’s rail network is undergoing its most significant overhaul in decades.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 is jointly funded by the Victorian and federal governments at $4.1 billion and is set for completion in 2030.
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