First look at the Melbourne Airport Rail design

Concept image, from Rail Projects Victoria video.

Rail Project’s Victoria have given Victorians their first glimpse at how the Melbourne Airport Rail may be constructed at key locations on the route.

The concept design for the Maribyrnong River crossing has been released, showcasing what the second highest bridge in Melbourne (at 50 metres high) may look like.

Between Sunshine and the Albion Junction, airport trains will gradually rise to travel on new elevated twin tracks across a distance of less than two kilometres, before descending and continuing at ground level alongside the existing freight line through Sunshine and Airport West towards the airport.

The proposed elevated rail solution will avoid costly and disruptive impacts to several major roads.

Melbourne Airport Rail trains will also run through the Metro Tunnel, allowing families in the south-eastern suburbs to get to the airport without changing trains.

Reference design along the rail alignment is underway in consultation with key stakeholders. Construction is expected to begin next year subject to approvals.

Melbourne Airport Rail has a target opening date of 2029, subject to relevant Australian and Victorian Government planning, environmental and other government approvals.

Both the Federal and State Governments have committed $5 billion to the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail.

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,” Fletcher said.

“The Federal 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.”

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.”