The Victorian government says its plan for an elevated “sky rail” at Melbourne Airport means the rail link will open a year earlier and cost $1 billion less to build compared to an underground station.
Plans for the long-awaited airport rail connection were revealed on Wednesday along with a business case forecasting a budget of $8 billion to $13 billion and a 2029 opening date.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the government would “continue to work with the airport” on the new plan, which has $5 billion funding from both the state and federal governments. Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the final above-ground design needed to prioritise quick and easy transfers to the terminals.“So said whether it’s above ground or below, it just needs to be as quick and easy as possible.”The 288-page business plan confirmed that an underground station would likely be more comfortable for passengers by providing an air-conditioned passage to platforms and the concourse.