Boring has started on a new 2 kilometre jet fuel pipeline tunnel between two new Melbourne train stations as part of the $4.1 billion Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1.
The jet fuel pipeline relocation marks a critical early milestone in the Melbourne train station corridor rebuild, which will untangle the most complex rail junction outside the CBD and lay the groundwork for a direct rail connection to Melbourne Airport.
The existing pipeline — the main jet fuel supply line to Melbourne Airport — currently sits between one and five metres underground. It is being relocated 30 metres below the surface through a purpose-built tunnel to make way for new platforms, an extended concourse and a new forecourt at Sunshine Station. The deeper alignment also clears space for a future rail viaduct at Albion that will carry trains over Ballarat Road as part of a later stage of Melbourne Airport Rail.
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Jet fuel pipeline works at Melbourne train station corridor
Crews are currently assembling new pipes into 250-metre sections at the Albion Station car park, which will remain closed for the duration of the works. Eight accessible car spaces will stay open. Later this year, the pipe sections will be pulled through the completed tunnel and connected to the existing pipeline, maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply to the airport while major construction continues above.
The pipeline relocation is part of the broader Stage 1 works spanning six kilometres from West Footscray to Albion. The project will separate regional, metro and freight trains through new rail flyovers, creating capacity for more than 1,000 trains a day through Sunshine and paving the way for future electrification to Melton. Two construction consortiums were shortlisted last week to deliver the final package of works, with contracts expected to be awarded next year.
Sunshine superhub takes shape in Melbourne’s west
Early designs for the Sunshine Station project were released in February, integrating the Victorian government’s Sunshine Station Masterplan. The plans feature a pedestrian and cycling path over the rail line, an upgraded bus interchange and a new station forecourt with open space at each entrance. A $7.5 million investment announced earlier this month will add a public plaza and arts hub on Clarke Street, positioning the superhub as a cultural destination alongside its transport role.
Once complete, Sunshine will connect V/Line regional services, Metro Tunnel trains and future airport services from a single interchange — part of a broader overhaul that includes new rolling stock entering service on three lines and high-speed rail planning progressing along the east coast corridor. Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 is jointly funded by the Victorian and federal governments and is set for completion in 2030. The full 27-kilometre Melbourne train station and airport rail line from Tullamarine to Town Hall via the Metro Tunnel is targeted for around 2033.
New stations for Tottenham, Albion and Keilor East
Beyond the Sunshine superhub, Stage 1 will deliver two entirely new stations at Tottenham and Albion, both funded by the Victorian government and due for completion in 2030. The new Tottenham Station will be built on the realigned Sunbury Line and feature a dedicated pedestrian underpass separated from Ashley Street, with lift and stair access to platforms. Concept designs are expected later this year. The new Albion Station will include improved lighting, security and a fully accessible concourse — sitting just one stop from the Sunshine superhub and serving as a gateway to future airport services.
Further ahead, a new station at Keilor East will be built as part of future stages of Melbourne Airport Rail, connecting the suburb to the rail network for the first time. The Victorian government’s project overview estimates Keilor East passengers will reach the CBD in around 27 minutes — a saving of roughly 20 minutes on current public transport options — and Melbourne Airport in approximately six minutes. Future dedicated tracks will run along the existing Albion–Jacana freight corridor between Sunshine and Airport West before following Airport Drive to a new premium station at the airport.
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