New Melbourne Airport master plan reveals major transport overhaul

THIS is one of the worst things about travelling to Melbourne Airport. But that could soon change, with a complete overhaul of the busy forecourt set to offer a seamless experience for passengers.

TRIPS to Melbourne Airport will be completely overhauled within the next five years, with a major redesign of the busy forecourt to offer a seamless experience for passengers.

As peak-hour congestion at the airport worsens, the new master plan calls for a radical facelift to the front of the airport that would tackle internal traffic congestion.

Pick-ups and drop-offs will be moved from the forecourt to a transit hub that provides space for taxis and buses as well as a railway station.

RADICAL $3.5B OVERHAUL TO MAKE OVER MELBOURNE AIRPORT

PREFERRED ROUTE FOR AIRPORT RAIL EMERGES

Traffic congestion at Melbourne Airport could soon be a thing of the past. Picture: Jay Town

A series of flyovers would then connect the Tullamarine Freeway to all four terminals so motorists can drop off passengers without stopping at a single intersection.

The airport’s parking and ground access chief, Lorie Argus, said the changes were crucial to handling a doubling in vehicle traffic over the next 20 years.

“While our airport growth is fantastic for travellers and the tourism economy it creates significant challenges on our road network, which is used by around 120,000 cars each day,” she said.

“Through our upgrades and developments passengers will find it easier to access the airport’s road network including better public transport links, the terminal design will be completely revamped with an emphasis on automation, and Melbourne will be offering an even greater international network for holiday-makers to enjoy.”

A preferred route for a new rail link should be decided before the state election and Melbourne Airport planners have thrown their support behind a railway line to the western suburbs and a super-sized station at Sunshine.

An artist’s impression of the revamped Melbourne Airport. Picture: Supplied

The 2018 master plan also allows for an improved rail connection providing space for tracks connecting terminals directly to regional trains.

“A Melbourne Airport rail link needs to integrate well with our road network and terminal structure,” Ms Argus said.

“What we ultimately want is a seamless traveller experience so we will look at how easily all airline passengers can access a train platform, how they can move their bags to baggage drop facilities and proximity to check-in.”

MELBOURNE AIRPORT RAIL LINK FAST-TRACKED

FREE AIRPORT PARKING, BUT THERE’S A CATCH

Ms Argus said the airport was also investigating what type of travellers were most likely to use the rail link when built.

“We will work with state and federal government to ensure the train is fast, frequent and affordable,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing the business case process completed in September, to help inform future planning decisions.”

MELBOURNE AIRPORT GROWTH FORECAST 2017 TO 2038

■ Annual passenger numbers: 35 million — 68 million

■ Annual flight movements: 239,000 — 384,000

■ Annual freight movements: 460,000 tonnes — 900,000 tonnes

■ Busy day vehicle trips to and from airport: 127,000 — 240,000

■ Total precinct jobs: 26,600 — 35,600

■ Precinct economic activity: $7 billion — $12 billion

Source: Draft Melbourne Airport Master Plan 2018