Melbourne Airport Rail Early Works Package awarded to Laing O'Rourke

Victoria’s transformational project – the Melbourne Airport Rail – is beginning a new phase in its development with early works set to commence following the announcement of Laing O’Rourke as the preferred proponent to deliver the Early Works Package. 

The early works will pave the way for major construction activities that are anticipated to commence later this year. This stage of the project will include the relocation of over 100 utilities along the Melbourne Airport Rail route, including critical services such as water, gas and electricity. 

Laing O’Rourke is committed to delivering the works with minimal impacts to businesses as well as to the daily lives of the community to ensure a “seamless transition”. 

“We are delighted to once again partner with the Victorian and Australian Governments to begin the process to transform the way Victorians travel to Melbourne Airport. 

“We are extremely proud to be trusted with this critical first step for Melbourne Airport Rail,” Laing O’Rourke Director – Clients & Markets Mark Dimmock said. 

The Melbourne Airport Rail project will deliver new rail that connects Melbourne Airport to the State’s regional and metropolitan train network. 

Scope of works on this major development will include: 

• Major improvements to Sunshine Station, including a new, accessible second pedestrian concourse with escalators and lifts for better passenger connections between regional, metropolitan and Melbourne Airport trains 
• New twin tracks rising over Anderson Road through to the start of the Albion – Jacana corridor, elevating the rail line over the Sunbury corridor, Ballarat Road and St Albans Road 
• A new forecourt area, extra bike cages and some minor modifications to car parking around Albion Station 
• Twin tracks continuing at ground level along the Albion – Jacana corridor, including a new rail bridge to cross over the Maribyrnong River alongside the existing heritage bridge 
• A new rail bridge to cross over the Western Ring Road (M80) 
• Changes to existing road bridges, pedestrian and cycling connections and other rail infrastructure upgrades – such as new signalling and power systems – along the length of the route 

Once completed, trains will run from the airport through to Sunshine Station, then into the Metro Tunnel and towards the heart of the CBD before continuing to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. 

Melbourne Airport Rail is estimated to cost between $8 and $13 billion, with the final project budget to be confirmed once all major contracts have been awarded. 

To date, the Australian and Victorian Governments have committed $5 billion each to deliver this massive rail project. 

Melbourne Airport Rail is projected to begin service in 2029. 

Source: Laing O’Rourke; Victoria’s Big Build; Inside Construction