Melbourne Airport Rail has taken another major step forward, with the preferred bidder chosen to transform Sunshine Station into a transport superhub.
As part of Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, the Network Integration Program Alliance (NIPA) comprising CPB Contractors and SMEC will deliver a package of works to expand and revitalise Sunshine Station, creating capacity for 1000 trains a day through the station, including future trains to Melbourne Airport and electric trains to Melton.
The alliance partners have been involved in several major Victorian rail projects, including Regional Rail Link, the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project, Metro Tunnel Project and Regional Rail Revival.
Works at Sunshine Station include building 2 new platforms for regional trains, which will enable airport trains to use existing platforms, as well as an extended concourse, new forecourts on both sides of the station and an upgraded bus interchange.
Sunshine Station will serve as a key interchange for airport and regional passengers, with airport trains connecting to the city via Sunshine and the Metro Tunnel, allowing passengers to travel without changing trains.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and will be delivered via 5 works packages, with four by existing VIDA Rail program alliances.
A works package has been awarded to the Southern Program Alliance comprising Acciona, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and VIDA Rail, with works underway to reconfigure tracks between West Footscray and Albion, including in the Tottenham yard.
A contract has also been awarded to the North Western Program Alliance comprising John Holland Group, KBR, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and VIDA Rail to build two new rail bridges for the Sunbury and Bendigo lines, install new airport rail tracks and build the new Tottenham Station.
In February, a package of works was awarded to the Western Program Alliance, comprising McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott Macdonald, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and VIDA Rail, for works to relocate underground utilities, including a major jet fuel pipeline between Albion and Sunshine, creating space for new rail infrastructure.
The fifth and final works package for construction of the new Albion Station will be awarded in 2027.
In addition, Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 2 will be complete in 2031, delivering a rail line from Albion to Keilor East, and a new station at Keilor East.