The first stage of Melbourne Airport Rail will soon kick off, with major changes to the rail network around Sunshine Station to enable a line to the airport and the future electrification to Melton.
This upgrade is the essential first step to connect Melbourne Airport to Victoria’s regional and metropolitan rail networks and pave the way for more train services for the growing communities of Melton and Wyndham Vale.
A program of works spanning more than 6km from West Footscray to Albion, will include two new dedicated regional platforms and an extended concourse at Sunshine Station, 3 new rail bridges, new and upgraded tracks, new signalling technology and realigned passenger and freight lines to untangle this complex section of the rail network.
The package of works is not only the first step towards a rail line to Melbourne Airport but will also pave the way for future upgrades in the west including an electrified line to Melton.
These upgrades will ensure Sunshine Station can support more than 40 train services per hour, creating capacity for additional services for the growing west and to the airport.
Delivering these upgrades around Sunshine now will drastically reduce disruptions required to deliver future upgrades including the electrification to Melton.
The Victorian Government will also deliver a new modern Albion Station, featuring an accessible concourse with lifts and stairs.
Design and planning work is well underway, with works expected to start in early 2026 and be complete in 2030.