Construction set to begin on express road at Melbourne Airport

Construction work for a new elevated loop road connecting the Tullamarine Freeway to the Terminal T4 Car Park at Melbourne Airport (MEL) is scheduled to begin at the end of February 2020. The project is the largest road investment in the airport’s history.

The express road development represents a $60 million investment from Melbourne Airport, and is expected to carry 5,000 vehicles daily when completed in early 2021. The link will speed up the process for drivers to reach Terminal T4 when arriving at the airport. 

Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport Chief Commercial Officer of Landside Access, said: “We’re focused on improving the traveller experience from freeway to runway, and the elevated loop road is going to make it easier and faster for people to reach Terminal 4, which services Jetstar, Tigerair and REX travellers. As Victoria’s premier gateway, our passenger numbers are predicted to rise from 37 million to almost 70 million people per year by 2038, so we’re making the necessary changes now to keep pace with demand.”

The new elevated road is the first part of the airport’s overall plan to improve road access, with a further $260 million earmarked for stage two of the road upgrade – this is expected to include a second elevated link to facilitate better connections to Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Argus continued: “Our data shows that if we do not add more roads by 2025, drivers could be stuck in traffic for around 30 minutes on the doorstep of the airport. Our elevated loop road upgrades will future-proof Melbourne Airport for international and domestic traveller growth while reducing stress for passengers.” 

CEO and Managing Director of Seymour Whyte – who is responsible for the construction of the project – John Kirkwood, said: “This contract award demonstrates Seymour Whyte’s versatility and diverse capabilities, leveraging off the expertise gained working on similar complex airport infrastructure projects. We are committed to ensuring that the project’s planned operational, social and economic benefits are achieved through innovative and sustainable solutions – and that we deliver a quality asset of long-term value for Melbourne Airport and the people of Victoria.”