Pakenham Line level crossings removal and new stations underway
The removal of three dangerous and congested level crossings as well as the construction of new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham are progressing well.
The elevated rail is now taking shape and Main Street has re-opened to traffic following the installation of a giant concrete pylon that will support the bridge structure.
The level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road are expected to be gone for good while new, modern, accessible stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham are set to open next year.
The project will also deliver new open spaces under the rail line that the community can enjoy. This includes a barbeque area, exercise equipment, basketball court, playgrounds and parklands.
“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,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
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Looking west over Pakenham (source: Victoria's Big Build)
The 7.5-metre-tall concrete pier at Main Street is part of the support for the new rail bridge in Pakenham where piling is currently undergoing and almost completed.
More than 30 giant concrete L-beams have also been installed at the nearby Pakenham Station, which will create the elevated rail bridge. Locals will be able to see the installation of these beams soon above Main Street and McGregor Road as works continue to ramp up.
The new, modern premium Pakenham Station that is being built will rejuvenate the town centre as well as provide safer and more direct connections between public transport and local amenities along with additional parking spaces.
On the other hand, the new East Pakenham Station will have 300 car parks, bike facilities, bus bays and dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones near the station. Building this new station will remove a major V/Line and Metro Trains bottleneck, busting congestion and improving reliability for both metropolitan and regional passengers in Victoria’s south-east.
“Removing these three level crossings will make Pakenham a better place to be by improving safety, creating better access in and out of the town centre and more open space for everyone to enjoy,” Member for Pakenham Emma Vulin said.
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Main Street works (source: Victoria's Big Build)
In addition to the removal of level crossings and construction of new stations, the Pakenham Roads Upgrade is also being carried out to further improve transport for the region’s growing community. This includes upgrading Racecourse Road, McGregor Road and the Princes Freeway. Healesvill-Koo Wee Rup Road will also be upgraded to link with the improved Racecourse Road once the level crossing is gone.
The Pakenham Line is due to be level crossing free by 2025, with 22 level crossing to be removed on the line.
Once Metro Tunnel opens in 2025, Pakenham Line trains will run exclusively through the new tunnel with stops at five new underground stations in and around the CBD.
“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,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build; Roads & Infrastructure Australia
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