The operational layout of Melbourne Airport's forecourt - the area in front of the terminals - is set to be reviewed over the coming months.

The two-lane thoroughfares at the front of the Melbourne Airport terminals see hundreds of heavy vehicles including buses, taxis, limousines and trucks joining the thousands of pedestrians and private cars that use this area each day. The review will also include the elevated roadway that serves the departure levels of the three terminals' increasing demands.

The review is being undertaken as a direct response to the significant congestion that currently exists in this area. Over 3100 vehicles on average per hour currently travel through the forecourt area at peak periods. The intersection the main entry point to the terminal area sees the equivalent of more than half of the vehicle traffic that passes through the Richmond intersection of Swan Street and Punt Road each day.

To be carried out in consultation with key forecourt users such as bus companies, taxi and limousine operators and traffic management experts, the review will look at the current operational structure of the forecourt, with a view to ensuring the area is sustainable well into the future.

Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Barlow said the review was vital to guaranteeing the long-term workable efficiency of a major piece of Victoria's transport infrastructure.

"With the recent decision by Tiger Airways Australia to set up its base at Melbourne Airport, along with strong growth from existing airlines, we expect passenger numbers will grow rapidly beyond the 22 million passengers who currently pass through Melbourne Airport each year. A workable future for the airport forecourt is critical to ensuring these passengers and other airport visitors can enter and exit the airport as safely and efficiently as possible," said Mr Barlow.

Mr Barlow also said that Melbourne Airport has a proven history of success with key public infrastructure development projects, and it remained acutely aware of the needs of its stakeholders.

"We have a strong track record of successful developments of high-use public infrastructure. Our runway widening project, for example, not only made vital changes to this state's busiest runway without a single
delay, it also went on to be recognized as Australia's best construction project in 2006," said Mr Barlow.