Melbourne Airport Rail Link
More information is now available at http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/airportlink/ including reports, maps, and information on community consultation.
About the Rail Link
Over the last few years, the need for an a rail link to Melbourne Airport has become more and more apparent. Sydney's is almost ready, and Brisbane's is coming soon too.
In 1999, the government made the first moves to secure a land reservation for the project, however 3 options are still under consideration, and the project is progressing slowly..
.Broadmeadows Option
This requires the installation of a third track from Ascot Vale to Broadmeadows, where the spur line would swing off in a westerly direction toward the airport.
Map from DOI and Melbourne Planning Department, from Newsraill July 1999Albion Option
An extra track would be constructed form Footscray along the St.Albans line to Albion, then along the freight lines to Airport West/Keilor, and a choice of 2 spurs north to the airport.Essendon Airport Option
Whilst this option would give the fastest travel time, and is most direct, it is the most expensive, and would require a significant amount of tunnelling under Essendon, and is not really being considered seriously.This site will concentrate mainly on the Broadmeadows Line proposal.
Previous news stories...
The following is a collection of articles from the local paper regarding the Airport link.ARTICLES ONLINE SOON
Residents warn of huge fight on rail link
Tuesday May 30 2000 - Community News
Local residents have spoken out, against the proposed Broadmeadows line route for the Melbourne Airport rail link.& more...
The new state labor government announced on Monday 28/2/00, plans to push forward the construction of the rail link, and recommitted themselves to their election promise of $20 million to kickstart the project.
An upgrade of Spencer Street station was also announced, and this will be constructed to allow for it to become the city terminus of the airport link.August 30 1999 - Moonee Valley Gazette
"Report Casts doubt on Rail link"
An advisory committee backed the claims of the Moonee Valley city council that the Broadmeadows line option is not justified based on current information.June 8 1999 - Community News
"Massive upheaval needed For rail link"
Moonee Ponds and Glenbervie stations would have to be reconstructed completely and adjacent trees removed for the airport rail link. This information is from the local paper and I'm sure this will apply to other stations too?June 8 1999 - Community News
"Airport Link Boom Gate Gloom"
Kensington residents claim that the will only be 12 minutes in each hour when the boom gates will not be down at the Kensington level crossing.
The crossing would have to be closed as trains would be passing almost all the time, with shunting in the grain siding, regular V/line passenger and Bayside Trains services, and the added airport trains.
Residents also expressed concern at the amount of noise involved, saying that night services would have to be kept to a bare minimum, while they would prefer the government to opt for the Albion route and abandon this line altogether.May 31 1999 - Moonee Valley Gazette
"Station's fate in doubt"
Moonee Valley city council has unveiled multi million dollar plans for an underground station at Moonee Ponds in a bid to eliminate the Puckle Street level crossing.
The historic station building may be retained as a reseraunt but its future is in doubt.
