New design aims to combat congestion fears over Tullamarine station design

Designs for the Melbourne Airport Rail station have been quietly updated on the project website following concerns from transport advocates.

Tullamarine station will be elevated and up to seven storeys high, according to latest designs

Designs for the Melbourne Airport Rail station have been quietly updated in an effort to combat fears the station could create congestion problems during peak times.

Transport advocates had warned designs released for a Tullamarine station, which will be elevated and up to seven storeys high, could create congestion problems during peak times or during bad weather.

Initial artist impressions for the $10bn link included one walkway towards terminals 3 and 4.

But new pictures of the station which appeared on the project website feature greatly expanded covered walkways from the station to airline terminals.

The development suggests that negotiations over the design between the Andrews government and Melbourne airport, which wanted a ­future-proofed underground station, have progressed.

How the elevated station would look at the airport.

If built, the new elevated walkways will link to the airport’s multistorey carpark, where there is access to ­hotels and separate access across to terminals 2 and 1.

The new design also shows details of the sky rail route along Airport Drive, where passengers will soar over traffic and carpark ramps as they approach the station.

Other sections of the mega project will also feature elevated rail bridges, including over the Western Ring Rd and between Sunshine and the Albion Junction.

Construction of the link, which will be jointly funded by the federal and state governments, is expected to begin this year.

The link will open in 2029. A journey to the CBD is expected to take about half an hour.

Early works have already begun.

The Andrews government has locked in an above-ground option for the Tullamarine station, saying it means less disruption to the precinct during construction, a quicker build time, and fewer power and gas services that would have to be moved.

Late last year a Melbourne airport spokesman said it was working with the government on the design even though it preferred an underground option, while a spokeswoman for the government said an elevated station was “the best outcome for passengers”.