Melbourne’s south-east suburbs are set to have three more dangerous level crossings removed, a new rail bridge built and two new stations erected, with a contract now signed to deliver the $844 million in congestion-busting works.
An alliance comprising John Holland Group, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) and the Level Crossing Removal Project will deliver the works.
The level crossings on Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road in Pakenham will all be gone for good by 2024 – with a new rail bridge built over the roads.
Two new stations will also be developed at Pakenham and East Pakenham, along with six MCGs worth of new open space for locals to enjoy.
The project will see thousands of motorists who pass through these level crossings everyday benefit from safer journeys and eased congestion.
Crews have already commenced early works in the area to pave the way for major construction to begin early next year.
The southern car park at Pakenham Station is now closed, with alternative parking available in the northern car park on Railway Avenue.
Throughout the next year, crews will begin working on gas, power, water and other utilities in the rail corridor and the arrival of piling rigs – including giant drills – on site.
Early ground works on the new Pakenham and East Pakenham Stations will start in late 2022, with both new stations to open to passengers in 2024.
Designs for the new Pakenham and East Pakenham Stations were recently presented for community consultation. More than 300 local members provided feedback – with gardens, playgrounds, and sport and recreational areas among the most popular suggestions to include around the stations, and in the space under the rail bridge.
In Pakenham, the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade will see an extra lane added, improved intersections and safety barriers installed between the Princes Freeway and Manks Road.
Construction is progressing on the Monash Freeway Upgrade, with O’Shea Road being extended to join the Beaconsfield interchange.
The interchange will be upgraded by adding an inbound freeway off-ramp and an outbound freeway on-ramp, making access to and from the Monash and Princes freeways safer and more reliable.
