Riders on the rail trail through Sunshine face a detour now that work is underway on the major project to untangle and reroute multiple rail tracks through the rail corridor between West Footscray and Albion.
The section of the trail where it traverses the Albion Station carpark precinct is to be closed from February for almost a year to allow for underground drilling, service relocation and pipe storage.
Riders will be diverted from the west side of the rail tracks via local streets: Talmage Street, Ferguson Street and Sydney Street. Care will be required at the Sydney Street roundabout.
The $4 million federal and state government-funded project will enable the future electrification of the Melton line, a streamlined connection to Tullamarine Airport and a new Albion Station to be provided.
As well, new bike links are being delivered as part of Airport Rail.
As alternative commuter parking will be available near Tottenham Station on Rupert Street, located to the east of the existing station commuter car park, riders along the trail adjacent to that car park will need to be watchful at the entry points for cars moving in and out.
Works to upgrade this parking will be underway this month.
The project encompasses a program of works across more than 6 kilometres from West Footscray to Albion and will include:
- two new dedicated regional platforms and an extended concourse at Sunshine Station
- three new rail bridges
- new and upgraded tracks
- new signalling technology
- realigned passenger and freight lines.
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