Works on the long-awaited Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) have begun, marking the first step in the development of Sunshine into a transport superhub.
According to the state and federal governments, the $4.1 billion joint investment will untangle the complex rail junction at Sunshine, realigning the Sunbury line to make way for airport rail and a future electrified Melton line.
The construction announcement comes as early designs for the new Sunshine interchange were released.
The project will create six kilometres of new track and two rail bridges.
Sunshine station will also be expanded with a longer concourse and two new regional platforms.
The state government said the Sunshine station upgrades will remove bottlenecks and allow for more regular train services while connecting regional services, the Metro Tunnel and future airport trains in one central location.
Upgraded lighting and CCTV will also be built into the station improvements.
According to the state government, $143 million will be invested into improving the precinct around the station.
As part of the surrounding upgrades, a new, fully accessible Tottenham station will be built on the realigned Sunbury line.
The new station will include upgraded lighting and a pedestrian underpass with early designs to be released in the coming months.
Construction on the new Tottenham station is set to begin next year.
A new Albion station will also be built with the project expected to be completed in 2030.
Development Victoria and Precincts Minister Harriet Shing described Sunshine as being on the cusp of a remarkable transformation.
“And with new pedestrian and cycling links, an improved bus interchange, new station forecourts with open space and local improvements – we’re creating safer places and connections for local families,” Ms Shing said.
The Sunshine superhub project is expected to be completed in 2030.
Locals can help shape the designs and new open spaces around Sunshine station by visiting engage.vic.gov.au/airportrail-stage1 by 29 March.
Community information sessions will also be held from 3-6pm on Wednesday 11 March at Derrimut Hotel, 132 Durham Road, Sunshine, and from 9am-1pm on Saturday 14 March at Whitten Oval Foyer, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray.
