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September 24, 2024 | By Ignatia Belle
Big news! The Melbourne airport rail loop is confirmed, and it’s been a long time coming. This $10 billion project is kicking off with the rebuild of Sunshine Station, and everyone is eager to see how the Melbourne airport rail loop will unfold. The federal and state governments are each pitching in $5 billion to make it happen. So, what can we expect from this massive upgrade? Let’s take a look.
The Melbourne Airport Rail Loop is a collaboration between the Australian and Victorian governments, with each committing $5 billion to the project. Sunshine Station is the first step, with a $63.5 million upgrade to support increased train services. The loop will allow six trains per hour to travel between Sunshine and Melbourne Airport, making it a vital link for both locals and visitors.
First things first, the Melbourne Airport Rail Loop begins with Sunshine Station, and it’s getting a $63.5 million makeover. This rebuild will add platforms and services, and soon it will accommodate six trains every hour to Melbourne Airport. Not only will this improve travel times, but it will also help more people connect to the airport easily and efficiently. Sunshine Station will be a key hub, and it’s just the beginning of this exciting project.
The Melbourne Airport Rail Loop is part of a broader plan known as the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL). Two main sections, SRL East and SRL North, will span 60 km across Melbourne’s middle suburbs and include 13 stations. This will offer an efficient connection between Cheltenham and Werribee, with stops at key hubs such as Sunshine Station and Melbourne Airport. This loop is designed to ease congestion, reduce commute times, and provide more public transport options.
As for the Melbourne Airport Rail Loop, Trains will run from Melbourne Airport through to Sunshine Station, then into the Metro Tunnel and the heart of the CBD, before continuing on to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
New dedicated tracks will be constructed along the existing Albion-Jacana freight corridor between Sunshine and Airport West. The tracks will divert off the freight corridor crossing the Western Ring Road (M80) and head towards the airport following Airport Drive, before arriving at a new premium train station at Melbourne Airport.
Melbourne Airport
Keilor East *NEW*
Sunshine
Footscray
Arden
Parkville
State Library
Town Hall
Anzac
Caulfield
Cranbourne
While the exact stations for the Melbourne Airport Rail Loop are still being finalised, we do know the loop will run through Melbourne’s middle suburbs, linking key hubs along the way. This will include new stations as well as upgrades to existing ones, like Sunshine Station. Take a look at the map above for a proposed view of the stations. As the project develops, more details will become available, so stay tuned.
The Melbourne Airport Rail Loop is expected to open in 2029. It’s a long-term project, and while early work has already begun, there’s still a lot of planning and development ahead. The loop will connect Melbourne Airport to both regional and metropolitan train networks, making it easier than ever to get to and from the airport.
The total cost of the Melbourne Airport Rail Loop and related sections of SRL could be enormous. Construction is expected to cost around $96 billion, and operation until 2084 could add another $120 billion. These figures are staggering, but many believe the benefits will outweigh the costs in the long run, especially with Melbourne’s population growth.
Not everyone is convinced. Deputy opposition leader David Southwick has voiced concerns that the project is too expensive and doesn’t provide enough return. He sees the benefit-cost ratio below one as proof that the Melbourne Airport Rail Loop could end up costing future generations. According to him, saddling Victorians with debt for a project that might not pay off is financially reckless.
On the other hand, supporters argue that long-term projects like these often have indirect benefits that aren’t immediately obvious. Things like urban consolidation, improved job access, and better social inclusion could provide value over decades, even if they aren’t immediately measurable in dollars.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson believes that the project is essential for Melbourne’s future. He points out that Melbourne is set to be the size of London by the 2050s. The city needs infrastructure that can handle such rapid growth.
For many Melburnians, the Melbourne Airport Rail Loop could be a game-changer. If you live in one of the areas along the loop, you’ll soon have a fast, efficient way to get to the airport without needing to drive. This means less time stuck in traffic, fewer parking fees, and a more sustainable way to travel.
It’s not just about the airport, though. The loop will also improve public transport options across Melbourne’s suburbs, making it easier to get around the city without relying on a car. And with Melbourne’s population expected to boom in the coming decades, this kind of infrastructure will be more important than ever.
Once complete, the Melbourne Airport Rail Loop will provide a direct connection between the airport and both regional and metropolitan train services. This will reduce congestion on roads and improve accessibility for travellers. The project also includes wider transport benefits, such as improving access to jobs, education, and social inclusion for people living in Melbourne’s suburbs.
Melbourne’s population is expected to grow significantly over the next few decades, reaching the size of London by the 2050s. This growth will require expanded transport infrastructure, and the future Melbourne Airport Rail Line is a key component of that. According to the Victorian Government, the loop will support the development of 70,000 new homes along the corridor, as well as improve transport access to Australia’s largest university.
The Melbourne Airport Rail Loop is an ambitious infrastructure project that could provide long-term benefits for Melbourne and regional Victoria. While the cost and timeline are substantial, the project aims to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and prepare Melbourne for future population growth. WIll the pay off be worth it? I guess we will have to wait and see.
What do you think?
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