The Victorian Government has confirmed the planned route for the construction of the new Melbourne Airport rail link after assessing 80 proposals for the project.

The $6.5 million Melbourne Airport Rail Link Study concluded that the construction of the Albion East route was the best possible option.

The recommended Albion East route builds on the foundations of previous planning by using land reserved in 2001 for a new section of track. However, the study has found that the 2001 design is no longer feasible as it cannot provide the capacity for rail services to the airport as well as increased services to cater for the unprecedented patronage growth occurring in this corridor.

“A new Albion East design follows the 2001 route from the airport boundary via new tracks through reserved land and a freight corridor, but will use the existing rail tracks from Sunbury within the Sunshine corridor and connect with the Government’s planned Melbourne Metro rail tunnel,” Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said.

“The recommended route for development of a Melbourne Airport rail link will tap into this transformation of Melbourne’s rail network and achieve cost efficiencies by utilising significant infrastructure already being planned,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said Public Transport Victoria (PTV) would continue planning for a Melbourne Airport rail link and that the link would be included in plans for the expansion of Melbourne’s rail network.

The Victorian Coalition Government is advocating for Commonwealth support for ongoing joint planning of this High-Speed Rail route linking the other east coast states with the CBD via Melbourne Airport. The Melbourne Airport Rail Study will continue to co-ordinate with the Commonwealth on this work.

The findings of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link Study are now available at www.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects