Melbourne Airport Rail Link
South East Melbournians will reap the benefits of the new rail link connecting the Melbourne Airport to the Central Business District of Melbourne, after the Australian and Victorian governments announced their joint commitment to delivering the project through the Melbourne Metro tunnel and via a major interchange at Sunshine.
Senator for Victoria, David Van said the Airport Rail Link will be a fast, reliable and direct link for the growing population of metro Melbourne travelling to the Airport and regional Victoria.
“The rail link will connect Melbourne to its international gateway, supporting tourism and export activities across Melbourne and Victoria, while also getting people around the city faster and more conveniently,” Senator Van said.
“In South East Melbourne, the airport rail link will significantly improve connectivity, making it easier for our residents and businesses to not only reach the airport, but stops throughout the CBD and the regions.
“Today is a significant day in history, as we move one step closer to providing a world-class airport link for South East Melbourne and greater Victoria.”
“The Melbourne Airport Rail Link will drastically slash travel time for South East Melbournians by providing a direct route for travellers on the Frankston, Cranbourne and Glen Waverley lines.”
“Travellers will be able to take the train from Frankston Station to Melbourne Airport in just 95 minutes, from Cranbourne Station to the Airport in just 85 minutes, from Clayton Station to the Airport in just 60 minutes and from Dandenong Station to the Airport in just 75 minutes,” Senator Van said.
Prime Minister the Hon. Scott Morrison MP said the airport link was a nationally significant project and Victorians had been waiting a long time for it to become a reality.
“With construction to start in 2022, the agreement will support up to 8000 direct and indirect jobs during construction,” the Prime Minister said.
“When complete, the link will slash travel times, bust congestion and be a major boost to the economy.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure the Hon. Alan Tudge MP said a rail line to the airport was long overdue for Melbourne.
“Our objective has always been to deliver a rail connection that is fast, affordable and built as quickly as possible,” Minister Tudge said.
“Supporting the regions is also vital to us, which is why we’ve been working with the Victorian Government for fast rail to Geelong, which will deliver passengers faster between Geelong and Melbourne, making it an even greater regional city.”
The Australian Government has provided $30 million to undertake business case planning for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
Construction of the MARL is expected to begin in 2022, and be completed in 2029.
Planning for fast rail to Geelong has been underway for some time and is expected to be completed in 2022. The Australian Government has already committed $2 billion to this project.
