The Federal and Victorian Governments have released concept designs for the new Melbourne Airport Rail at key locations along its route, including a new rail bridge over the Maribyrnong River.
Designs were published for a new rail bridge over the Maribyrnong River and elevated twin tracks between Sunshine and the Albion Junction.
Airport trains will run through the Metro Tunnel, meaning commuters in the south-eastern suburbs can get to the airport without changing trains, and the majority of Victorians can get to the airport with just one interchange from their closest station.
Both the Federal and Victorian Governments have committed up to $5 billion each for the construction of the project.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said tourists visiting the state will be able to get from the airport to regional Victoria in a hassle-free way – meaning more visitors and jobs for the regions.
“We know how long people have been waiting to see Melbourne Airport Rail become a reality, and these concept designs show just how much progress is happening on this transformational project,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The Morrison Government is pleased to announce that this major investment is expected to deliver approximately 8,000 construction jobs, and give Melbourne and greater Victoria a state-of-the-art airport connection.”
The new bridge will be 550m-long, 50m-high and built alongside the existing heritage-listed rail bridge over the Maribyrnong River.
Sunshine and the Albion Junction airport trains will gradually rise to travel on new elevated twin tracks across a distance of less than 2km, before descending and continuing at ground level alongside the existing freight line through Sunshine and Airport West towards the airport.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said the proposed elevated rail solution would avoid costly and disruptive impacts to several major roads.
“Works from Sunshine to Albion will form an important part of Melbourne Airport Rail, with Sunshine becoming a key station for airport services and other regional and metro lines,” Ms Allan said.
“These improvements will make travelling through Sunshine easier, as the number of trains and passengers increases following the completion of projects such as the new Metro Tunnel, Sunbury Line Upgrade and Melbourne Airport Rail.”
Reference design along the alignment is underway in consultation with key stakeholders including councils, communities, government agencies, Heritage Victoria and contractors.
Construction on the project is set to start in 2022 subject to all relevant approvals, with early works such as relocating utilities.
A recent round of online community engagement again highlighted the significant community interest in getting on with Melbourne Airport Rail and the benefits it will provide for the people of metropolitan and regional Victoria.
More than 1,800 people logged into a virtual engagement room, more than 1,000 surveys were completed, and more than 200 comments submitted.
Key themes from feedback included a desire to minimise disruptions on already-busy local roads during construction; protect local heritage and the environment; and improve local areas with more community spaces.
The feedback is set to shape the project and there will be more opportunities for people to have their say as planning progresses.
Melbourne Airport Rail has a target opening date of 2029, subject to relevant Federal and Victorian Government planning, environmental and other government approvals.
