Project Profile: Sunbury Line Upgrade, Melbourne

The Sunbury Line Upgrade is a critical infrastructure enhancement project delivered by Rail Projects Victoria to prepare Melbourne’s northwestern rail corridor for the integration of the Metro Tunnel. This multifaceted project upgraded track, power, and station infrastructure to support the operation of new High-Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs), significantly increasing network capacity and improving passenger accessibility.

Technical Specifications

The project’s primary technical objective was to facilitate the operation of 65 new HCMTs. This required extensive power infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of 71.5 km of overhead copper wires and associated OLE. A new traction power substation was constructed in St Albans, with major upgrades completed at the Tottenham substation to ensure consistent power delivery along the entire corridor. Track infrastructure works included laying 5.78 km of new track, replacing 8,440 sleepers, and extending platforms at stations between Sunbury and Footscray to accommodate the longer trainsets.

A significant civil engineering component was the removal of the Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury. The legacy crossing was replaced with a new rail bridge and road underpass, eliminating a major traffic bottleneck and improving safety for all transport modes. Station infrastructure was comprehensively modernized, with Watergardens station receiving platform extensions, new elevators, and an expanded concourse. Furthermore, eight stations along the line were retrofitted with wheelchair boarding platforms, significantly enhancing accessibility in compliance with modern standards.

To support the increased service frequency and new rolling stock, train stabling facilities at Calder Park, Sunbury, and Watergardens were substantially upgraded. These enhancements provide the necessary capacity for overnight storage, cleaning, and light maintenance of the expanded HCMT fleet, ensuring operational efficiency and network reliability.

Key Takeaways

• Capacity Enhancement: The upgrade directly enables a 70% increase in passenger capacity during peak periods, adding space for up to 113,000 additional passengers per week to service Melbourne’s western growth corridor.
• Metro Tunnel Enablement: This project is a foundational prerequisite for the Metro Tunnel, creating a seamless, high-capacity, end-to-end line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the southeast.
• Infrastructure Modernisation: The project delivered a step-change in the corridor’s resilience and accessibility through upgraded power systems, level crossing removal, and universal access improvements at key stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main purpose of the Sunbury Line Upgrade?

The main purpose of the Sunbury Line Upgrade was to prepare the rail line for connection to the new Metro Tunnel and support the operation of new High-Capacity Metro Trains. This involved upgrading tracks, overhead power, and stations to increase passenger capacity, reduce travel times, and improve overall network reliability for Melbourne’s growing western suburbs.

Who built the Sunbury Line Upgrade?

The Sunbury Line Upgrade was delivered for the client, Rail Projects Victoria (RPV), by the Rail Infrastructure Alliance (RIA). This consortium consists of major engineering and construction firms John Holland and CPB Contractors, design partner AECOM, and rail operator Metro Trains Melbourne.