$844m contract awarded for removal of VIC Pakenham level crossings

The Pakenham Line in Victoria is on track to being level crossing free by 2025 as three more dangerous and congested level crossings are set to be removed following the award of an $844 million works contract. 

The North Western Program Alliance – comprising of John Holland, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) and the Level Crossing Removal Project – has been appointed to undertake works that will remove the level crossings at Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road. 

“Our team has a phenomenal track record delivering level crossing removal projects and it is testament to them – their expertise, experience and long-running relationship with our customer – that we continue to deliver these important works that will benefit the community for years to come,” John Holland Executive General Manager, Infrastructure Andrew English said. 

New Pakenham Station from Main Street (source: Level Crossing Removal Project)

This project will involve building a new 2.5-kilometre rail bridge over the roads to replace the level crossings which, in turn, delivers about 125,000-SQM or six MCG’s worth of open space that the community can enjoy. 

In addition, two new modernised stations will also be built at Pakenham and East Pakenham. 

“We’re getting on with removing these three dangerous and congested level crossings in Pakenham – which holds up thousands of commuters every day. Major construction will get underway in the new year – as we power on to reach our goal of getting rid of 85 level crossings by 2025,” Acting Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said. 

The new Pakenham Station is architecturally designed to feature an upgraded forecourt, bus interchange as well as two dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones. Lifts and stairs will also be available to take passengers from a climate-controlled waiting area at street level to the two platforms above. 

About 450 additional car parking spaces, secure bike storage and new walking and cycling paths will also be delivered. 

East Pakenham Station (source: Level Crossing Removal Project)

On the other hand, the new East Pakenham Station – which is a vital infrastructure in one of the region’s newest suburbs – will cater to the growing population in the area by providing commuters with a link to Melbourne’s existing regional and metropolitan rail networks for the first time. 

Early works on the two new stations will commence in late 2022 and both stations are due to be operational in 2024. 

“We’re making Pakenham even better by getting rid of these three level crossings – taking away the lottery of waiting at the boom gates. It’s great to see so much progress on the project already – which will improve safety, access in and out of the town centre and create new open space for locals to enjoy,” Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said. 

This multi-million-dollar project is anticipated to create approximately 750 jobs during its construction, which will commence early this year following the completion of early works. 

The Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project is being delivered as part of a $15 billion investment to upgrade the Pakenham Line. 

Source: John Holland; Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Level Crossing Removal Project; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine