Two consortiums have been shortlisted to deliver the final package of works for Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, bringing a direct rail link between Melbourne Airport and the city closer while expanding capacity across Melbourne’s west.
The Victorian Government confirmed that CPB Contractors Pty Ltd with SMEC Australia, and a consortium comprising FCC Construction, Martinus Rail, Arcadis and BG&E, will move through a competitive tender process ahead of a contract award next year.
The final package focuses on upgrades between West Footscray and Albion, including widening the rail corridor, adding more tracks and building two new regional platforms at Sunshine Station. The works will extend the station concourse and support a broader $143 million redevelopment of the Sunshine precinct.
Plans include a new walking and cycling connection across the rail line, an upgraded bus interchange, additional open space and new forecourts aimed at improving access for commuters across Melbourne’s west.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 is expected to increase capacity through one of Victoria’s busiest corridors, allowing more than 1,000 trains a day to pass through Sunshine. The upgrade will support services on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines and enable future projects such as electrification of the Melton Line.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project would improve connections across the state. “Melbourne Airport Rail will deliver faster, more reliable rail journeys from Melbourne Airport to the rest of Victoria.”
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said the additional capacity would support growing demand. “This project will deliver smoother journeys and create the capacity needed for more than 1,000 trains a day through Sunshine.”
Work has already started along the corridor, with crews relocating underground utilities between Albion and Sunshine. Construction teams are operating from the Albion Station car park, laying sections of pipeline ahead of planned tunnelling works.
Victorian Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing said the upgrade would support economic activity in the region. “We’re investing in the growing Sunshine Precinct – better services, more jobs, stronger business investment and the transport connections that help families live, work and play locally.”
Federal Member for Fraser Daniel Mulino said the project would have local benefits. “This is a critical project that will deliver better public transport and create jobs across Melbourne’s west.”
State Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly said improved services would help local residents. “This project will deliver more reliable public transport and make it easier for local families to get where they need to go.”
State Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll pointed to progress on the broader rail plan. “We are getting on with the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project that will deliver a new station in Keilor East.”
State Member for Footscray Katie Hall said the station upgrade would support connectivity. “Upgrading Sunshine Station will make it easier for people to connect to services and move across the network.”
State Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman said the project would reduce travel times for local communities. “This project will deliver better connections and less time travelling for families in our growing community.”
The Melbourne Airport Rail project is scheduled for completion in 2030, with new stations planned at Tottenham and Albion and improved links to the Metro Tunnel expected to reshape travel across Melbourne’s rail network.
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