The federal and state governments have commenced work on the next key part of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, that will also improve transport services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing west.
Major upgrades are now underway to connect Sunshine to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and beyond, with the long-awaited rebuild of Sunshine Station commenced.
With both governments contributing $5 billion each to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, upgrading Sunshine Station marks the crucial first phase of the project. The rebuild includes a $63.5 million investment to increase capacity, enabling future upgrades in the western suburbs.
Melbourne Airport Rail Link
- Major upgrades are now underway to connect Sunshine to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link
- It’s part of a $63.5 million investment to increase capacity on train lines in Melbourne’s west
- Sunshine Station will receive additional platforms, along with significant track and bridge works
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As part of the redevelopment, Sunshine Station will receive additional platforms, along with significant track and bridge works and signalling improvements. These upgrades aim to streamline the complex junction that currently serves freight as well as more than 70 per cent of V/Line services, including the Geelong, Bendigo, and Ballarat lines.
This major investment will also unlock capacity for additional services from Wyndham Vale, facilitate future electrified trains running from Melton, and allow for six trains per hour to travel to Melbourne Airport.
The project will be delivered alongside the Victorian government’s $143 million Sunshine Station Precinct Masterplan, which includes a new bus interchange and enhanced pedestrian connections.
Rebuilding Sunshine Station now will not only prepare the network for services to the airport but also future upgrades such as the electrification of the Melton Line. This will minimise disruption, save costs, and reduce inconvenience for local residents, businesses, and commuters.
Beyond Sunshine Station, the Victorian government is also investing in the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade. Set for completion in 2028, this will boost capacity by 50 per cent, remove four additional level crossings, and deliver a brand-new Melton Station.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “We’re working alongside the Victorian Government as we take this crucial first step to deliver Melbourne Airport Rail.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson added, “Rebuilding Sunshine Station will help to unlock capacity for future upgrades for Melbourne’s growing west.”
Federal Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten commented, “The development of Sunshine Station is the next step in securing the airport rail link that will be great for the north west of Melbourne, and all Victorians.”
Federal Member for Fraser Daniel Mulino highlighted, “Melbourne’s west is growing at a rapid rate and the new Sunshine Station will help to cater for this growth.”
Victorian Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman noted, “Whether it’s road upgrades, the West Gate Tunnel, Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals or a new station for Sunshine – only Labor is delivering the world-class infrastructure people in the west deserve.”
Victorian Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly added, “Rebuilding Sunshine Station will create capacity for more frequent and reliable services in Melbourne’s surging west.”
Stay up to date with the latest news about the Melbourne Airport Rail Link here.
