The Airport Rail Link saga has taken countless twists and turns, but it seems like the project could finally be on the right track. We don't want to get too excited yet – there are still five long years to wait before the slated completion date of 2030, and a lot can happen in five years. But thankfully, after debates and delays, Albo swooped in and promised $7 billion in federal funding to get the project up and running. This means that the first stage of construction can now start, so we might allow ourselves to dream again of conveniently zipping between the airport and the city.
The first stop along the Airport Rail Link journey is a huge upgrade to Sunshine Station, which will connect the future train line to the airport. Construction to make this upgrade happen is kicking off soon, with $2 billion of the federal funding making it happen, leaving $5 billion to go towards the rest of the project. It will include major changes to the rail network around the area, which will also allow for an upgrade to train services to Melton and Wyndham Vale down the track.
Once Sunshine Station gets a makeover, new train stations will also be built at Albion as well as Keilor East – stops along the way to the airport. Then, after it's all completed, these additions will form part of the new Suburban Rail Loop and connect to the Metro Tunnel train line. So for those on the Cranbourne or Pakenham lines, you'll be able to catch a train from home to the airport. How good!
Melburnians will finally be able to zoom from the CBD to the airport in around 30 minutes. It's the change for our city that Melburnians have been crying out for, so 2030 can't come soon enough. Find out more about the progress of the Melbourne Airport Rail here.
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