While Sunbury Line travellers are gearing up for the Metro Tunnel to open, more train disruptions won’t be far away.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said the Sunshine Superhub will be the state government’s next major focus before working on the rail link to the airport.
However, for Sunbury Line passengers, while the opening of the Metro Tunnel in December will mean more services and faster travel, disruptions won’t be far away.
According to the Big Build website, works on the Sunshine Superhub are expected to start in early 2026, just shortly after the new stations open, and be complete in 2030.
This could potentially see another four years of delays for travellers.
Ms Williams could not confirm the level of delays along the Sunbury Line.
“There will be, I’d imagine, some delays as a consequence of the Sunshine works,” she said.
The Sunshine Superhub will untangle a complex section of the rail network, allowing for more services to Melbourne’s west, as well as allow for the airport rail link to Sunshine.
It will also add two new dedicated regional platforms and an extended concourse at Sunshine Station, paving the way for more services to Melton and Wyndham Vale.
“Its about making sure that we can continue to add services particularly through the fast-growing western suburbs and also to the western regions, knowing how many of our V/Line services come through that corridor as well,” Ms Williams said.
Ms Williams could not confirm a date for the Metro Tunnel opening, with the government awaiting the final tick off on the project.
“We’re pretty confident we’re close … and of course as soon as we have that letter we’ll be singing it from the rooftops,” she said.
Once open, the Metro Tunnel will service Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham Line Travellers, boosting services for Melbourne’s busiest train lines.
The Big Switch on 1 February will result in 1000 new weekly services, including a turn-up-and-go network on the three lines.
It will also alleviate travellers going through the City Loop, easing congestion in Melbourne’s busiest stations, according to the government.
