New billion-dollar plan for airport rail link revealed
Trains could soon dart from Tullamarine to the CBD in under half an hour after a new $8-13 billion deal — aimed to fast-track to the state’s economy after the coronavirus crisis — was inked.
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A deal for a new $8-13 billion airport rail link is set to be inked, paving the way for trains between Tullamarine and the heart of Melbourne’s CBD in under half an hour.
And the Sunday Herald Sun can reveal that the construction of the mega-project could be fast-tracked to help stimulate the state’s economy after the coronavirus crisis.
The business case for the line is finalised, with the federal and state governments keen to get on with the build, and will make a joint announcement once COVID-19 cases fall in Victoria.
Construction is slated to start in 2022 and could take nine years to build, but the finish date is likely to be brought forward.
Planning is ongoing, with experts considering whether the new Melbourne Airport station is built underground to enhance transfers and minimise disruption, even though the line will run above ground.
Some federal backbenchers continue to agitate over route details, pushing for a separate tunnel under Melbourne’s west to Southern Cross Station — a private proposal bankrolled by IFM Investors — which they say would boost regional services.
The Andrews Government is sticking to its plan for an above-ground line from Tullamarine to Sunshine, however, with trains sent through the $11 billion Melbourne Metro tunnel.
This would allow for services to run through five new inner city stations — including the university precinct and prime inner city venues — before continuing on a suburban line.
Express services stopping only at Sunshine would arrive at Arden in North Melbourne in about 20 minutes, while passengers would also get access to Parkville, State Library and Town Hall stations, along with Anzac station on St Kilda Road, close to the Grand Prix track.
The Sunday Herald Sun understands that even by using the new Metro tunnel, a separate regional project would allow for fast rail services between the CBD and Geelong in under 40 minutes.
The Commonwealth and State governments have agreed to pay $5 billion each towards the airport rail project, which will cost closer to the upper end of an estimated $8-13 billion price tag.
Urban Infastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the federal government had worked constructively with the state government and “we want to see it built as soon as possible”.
“We will continue to work with them to deliver the best result for Victorians,” he said.
“Our ambition is to have a train journey to the airport from the city that is fast, affordable and meets the needs of travellers,” he said.
“Melbourne Airport Rail Link will support thousands of jobs and boost the Victorian economy.”
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Originally published as New billion-dollar plan for airport rail link revealed