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With the Metro Tunnel completed – aka the biggest overhaul of the Melbourne's public transport system in 40 years – attention has turned to the next big rail development that the city is crying out for: a train line to the airport. And after lots of planning, discussions and chatter about whether it will actually happen or not, it's finally been confirmed that work to build the Melbourne Airport Rail link is officially underway.
The Victorian and Australian governments have joined forces to dedicate funds of $4.1 billion into a transport revitalisation that includes building a fast, reliable and direct airport line, turning Sunshine Station into a major transport superhub – ultimately, changing the way people travel through Melbourne's west.
The first stage will focus on upgrading the line between West Footscray and Albion, which will eradicate bottlenecks and streamline airport access. This will be done by untangling the complicated rail junction that currently exists, delivering a whopping six kilometres of fresh line, creating new tracks specially for regional trains, and making space for the Metro's incoming electric Melton services.
Meanwhile, early designs for the Sunshine Station superhub have dropped, revealing a brand-new extended concourse, two new platforms, a pedestrian and cycling path, upgraded bus interchange and a station forecourt with open space on either side.
But that's not all! A total redevelopment of Tottenham Station is also coming, and will be built on the realigned Sunbury Line. Tottenham 2.0 will be a modern and accessible station with upgraded lighting and a pedestrian underpass.
Progress, we love to see it! And you can have your say on the designs and open spaces around Sunshine Station here.
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