News | 16 March

The progress on the removal of three hazardous and congested level crossings in Pakenham, along with the expansion of the rail line to Pakenham East, is advancing rapidly. The elevated rail bridge is taking shape, and Main Street has reopened to traffic following the installation of a massive concrete pylon that supports the new bridge. The level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street, and Racecourse Road will be permanently removed, and new, contemporary, and accessible stations will be opened at Pakenham and Pakenham East, which are among Australia’s fastest-growing suburbs. The open spaces beneath the rail line will be transformed into a community gathering spot, featuring a barbecue area, exercise equipment, basketball court, playgrounds, and parklands.

The giant concrete pier at Main Street, standing at a height of 7.5 meters, is one of the supporting structures for the new rail bridge in Pakenham. The installation of piles to stabilize the soil beneath the ground is almost complete. More than 30 huge concrete L-beams have been installed at Pakenham Station to create the elevated rail bridge, and locals will soon see these beams installed above Main Street and McGregor Road as work continues at a rapid pace.

Work is also underway to construct the new premium Pakenham station, which will rejuvenate the town center and provide safer and more direct connections between public transport and local amenities, as well as additional parking. The new Pakenham East Station will include 300 car parks, bike facilities, bus bays, and dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas close to the station. This station will eliminate a significant bottleneck for V/Line and Metro Trains, easing congestion and increasing reliability for both regional and metropolitan passengers in the southeast.

To further enhance transportation for the growing Pakenham community, the Pakenham Roads Upgrade is currently underway, upgrading Racecourse Road, McGregor Road, and the Princes Freeway. The improvements to Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road will link with the Racecourse Road upgrades once the level crossing is removed. The Metro Tunnel is set to open in 2025, with Pakenham Line trains exclusively running through the new tunnel and stopping at five new underground stations in and around the CBD.

In Melbourne, 67 level crossings have already been removed well ahead of schedule, with 110 more to be removed by 2030, promoting safety and reducing congestion across every corner of Melbourne.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Soon these level crossings will be gone for good – and six MCGs of community open space under the rail line will transform the centre of Pakenham.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“Getting rid of these level crossings will make the Pakenham line one step closer to being boom gate-free by 2025, changing the way people live, work and travel.”

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