A new train station will be built at Tottenham as part of the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) which finally broke ground on Wednesday.
Works on the long-awaited airport rail link began on 25 February on a six-kilometre stretch of track between West Footscray and Albion stations.
The $4.1 billion joint investment between the state and federal government’s involves untangling the complex rail junction at Sunshine station and building two new platforms as part of efforts to turn it into a transport superhub.
The works also include realigning the Sunbury line to make way for airport rail and a future electrified Melton line.
The realigned Sunbury line will serve new train stations at Tottenham and Albion, with construction at Tottenham expected to start next year.
The new, fully accessible Tottenham station will include upgraded lighting and a pedestrian underpass, making it easier and safer for commuters to access the station and activity centres on both sides of the rail line.
Early designs for the new station will be released later this year.
Footscray MP Katie Hall hailed news of the new station.
“The community will be thrilled the project now includes a brand-new Tottenham station, which will improve access to public transport and make it easier for locals to get across the busy rail corridor,” she said.
Works on the Sunshine superhub are due to be finished by 2030, and once the Melbourne Airport and Melton electrification projects are complete, the state government said more than 1000 train services are expected to pass through the hub every day.
Development Victoria and Precincts Minister Harriet Shing described Sunshine as being on the cusp of a remarkable transformation.
“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,” she said.
A community information session will be held at Whitten Oval from 9am-1pm on Saturday 14 March, while locals can also have their say on the project online, with feedback open until 29 March at: engage.vic.gov.au/airportrail-stage1
