The Victorian and Australian Governments have today released early designs for the new Sunshine rail interchange and signalled the start of early construction works.
The Governments say the $4.1 billion joint investment will untangle the current complex rail junction at Sunshine into a transport superhub.
It will create space for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) and future electrified Melton services – both running through the Metro Tunnel. Six kilometres of new track, two rail bridges and realigned passenger and freight lines will remove bottlenecks and allow more trains, more often.
Sunshine Station will be expanded with a longer concourse and two new regional platforms. It will connect regional services, the Metro Tunnel and future airport trains in one central location.
Upgraded lighting and CCTV will be built into the station improvements, making journeys safer as well as faster.
“Rebuilding Sunshine Station is the first stage of delivering Melbourne Airport Rail and it will help pave the way for more services across Melbourne’s west,” said Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams.
The Victorian Government will also invest $143 million to improve the precinct around the station.
“Sunshine is 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,” said Victorian Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts, Harriet Shing.
The State Government today also announced a brand new, fully accessible Tottenham Station will also be built on the realigned Sunbury Line, improving local connections.
The new station will include upgraded lighting and a pedestrian underpass, improving local connections and safety – with early designs to be released in the coming months and construction to begin next year.
The Sunbury Line will be realigned to make way for airport rail and a future electrified Melton line, supported by signalling upgrades to enable more services.
A new Albion Station, which will be fully funded by the State Government, will deliver modern and accessible facilities for passengers.
Locals can help shape the designs and new open spaces around Sunshine Station by visiting engage.vic.gov.au/airportrail-stage1.
