Contractor to begin construction of $60M Melbourne Airport express road

John Kirkwood, Seymour Whyte MD and CEO with Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport. Image courtesy of Seymour Whyte.

A new elevated loop will soon connect the Tullamarine Freeway to the Terminal four car park at Melbourne Airport.

Contractor Seymour White is set to start construction on the $60 million project next week.

The T4 express link will aim to make it faster for drivers to reach Terminal four. It’s expected to carry 5000 vehicles per day when completed.

Melbourne Airport Chief Commercial Officer of Landside Access, Lorie Argus, said the airport was proud to invest in road access and cater to forecast passenger growth.

A further $260 million is earmarked for stage two of the road upgrade which may include a second elevated link to facilitate better connections to Terminals one, two and three.

“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,” Ms. Argus said.

Melbourne Airport passenger numbers are predicted to grow from 37 million to 70 million people per year by 2038 and the new road will help to move traffic around the precinct efficiently.

“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,” Ms. Argus said.

“Our elevated loop road upgrades will future-proof Melbourne Airport for international and domestic traveller growth while reducing stress for passengers.”

Seymour Whyte CEO and Managing Director John Kirkwood said he was looking forward to working on the project to deliver the first stage of the airport’s Major Development Plan.

“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,” Mr. Kirkwood said.