Works to relocate a major jet fuel pipeline between Albion and Sunshine have entered the final phase.
The major jet fuel pipeline running along the rail corridor is being relocated as part of Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, which will untangle 6km of track between West Footscray and Albion, transforming Sunshine Station into a transport superhub and creating capacity for 1000 trains every day.
Relocating a 2km section of the pipeline into a new 30m deep tunnel will create space at Sunshine Station for 2 new platforms, an extended concourse and new forecourts being built as part of the stage one works.
Following months of pipeline tunnel drilling, crews worked around the clock for 7 days to weld together and pull 160 steel pipes through the 2km tunnel, using 5 cranes and 2 excavators to lift and install the pipes.
When the works are completed, the new pipeline will be tied into the existing pipeline, and the jet fuel supply switched over without any disruption to airport services.
The Albion Station car park will remain closed until later this year while crews continue the pipeline works, with 8 accessible car spaces remaining open.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 will pave the way for trains to the airport and electric trains to Melton, and will be completed in 2030.
