Melbourne Airport Rail construction commences with major works now underway on the $8.5 billion transport project in Victoria. Crews have mobilized at Sunshine Station, marking the first phase of visible construction.
The project will establish a direct rail connection between Melbourne Airport and central Melbourne. As a result, passengers will gain a high-capacity alternative to road transport.
Construction Commences at Sunshine Station
Construction activity has concentrated on upgrading Sunshine Station. The station will become a key interchange for regional, suburban, and airport services. Contractors are modifying track layouts and preparing structural foundations.
In addition, crews are relocating underground utilities and establishing work compounds. The redesign introduces new dedicated platforms for airport services. Consequently, the station will manage higher passenger volumes efficiently.
Designs released under Victoria’s Big Build show expanded concourses and improved accessibility. Moreover, the layout protects space for future electrification toward Melton.
New Tottenham Station Included in Stage 1
As part of Stage 1 delivery, a completely new Tottenham Station will be constructed. The station will sit along a realigned section of the Sunbury Line. It will replace the existing Tottenham facility. The new station will feature step-free access throughout. In addition, designers have incorporated a pedestrian underpass. The underpass will connect both sides of the rail corridor and the northern car park.
Authorities state that relocation will reduce passenger disruption during construction. Therefore, services can transition more efficiently once the new station opens. Detailed designs are expected later this year. Building work is currently scheduled to begin in 2027.
Corridor Works and Network Preparation
Beyond station upgrades, enabling works are progressing along the corridor. Contractors have begun service relocations and early site investigations. Meanwhile, engineers are refining detailed rail alignment designs. The line will connect the Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) to the airport via Sunshine. Therefore, airport-bound trains will integrate with Melbourne’s metropolitan network.
Project updates confirm that signalling and track modifications form part of Stage 1. These upgrades will prepare the network for dedicated airport operations.
Travel Benefits and Operational Impact
The Melbourne Airport Rail link will significantly reduce reliance on road access. Currently, private vehicles and buses dominate airport trips. However, the rail service will offer predictable travel times of approximately 30 minutes.
Frequent services will operate across the day. Additionally, regional passengers will connect at Sunshine. The project will also increase overall rail capacity in Melbourne’s west. Consequently, suburban and regional services will operate more reliably.
Melbourne Airport Rail construction commences with substantial station and corridor works now visible. The inclusion of a new Tottenham Station strengthens the early delivery package. Ultimately, the project will reshape airport access across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The Melbourne Airport Rail project forms part of a broader wave of rail and transport infrastructure investment across Victoria. Similarly, construction of the $1.62 billion Beveridge Intermodal Precinct in Melbourne’s north, designed to handle double‑stacked freight trains and improve national rail freight efficiency demonstrates the state’s focus on expanding rail capacity, reducing road congestion, and supporting long‑term economic growth.
Project Fact Sheet : Melbourne Airport Rail Construction
- Project Name: Melbourne Airport Rail
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Total Cost: Approximately $8.5 billion
Stage 1 Scope:
- Major redevelopment of Sunshine Station
- Construction of a new Tottenham Station
- Track realignment on the Sunbury Line
- Dedicated airport rail platforms
- Signaling and corridor upgrades
- Utility relocations and enabling works
Future Scope:
- Rail extension from Sunshine to Melbourne Airport
- Integration with metropolitan and regional rail services
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 30 minutes from CBD to airport
Delivery Program: Part of Victoria’s Big Build
Funding Partners:
- Victorian Government
- Australian Government
Project Team: Melbourne Airport Rail Construction
- Project Owner: Victorian Government
- Federal Funding Contributor: Australian Government
- Delivery Authority: Victoria’s Big Build
- Airport Stakeholder: Melbourne Airport
- Transport Authority: Department of Transport and Planning Victoria
Main Contractors (Sunshine & Early Works Package):
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