The Victorian Government is removing 17 dangerous level crossings, including Cardinia Road as part of a $16 billion investment to upgrade the Pakenham line that will improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains to run more often.

Cardinia Road bridge now open

The dangerous and congested Cardinia Road level crossing is gone for good, with traffic travelling over the new Cardinia Road bridge for the first time on Sunday 6 December. Nearby residents were first over the bridge, walking across the new shared use path, while trains travelled below.

The new road bridge means no more waiting at the boom gates for the 23,000 drivers travelling through Cardinia Road each day. With the new road bridge now open, travel times will be reduced and safety enhanced for the growing community and surrounding suburbs.

Next we will be removing the final three level crossings in Pakenham at McGregor Road, Racecourse Road and Main Street, as part of the Victorian Governments investment to upgrade the Pakenham line. These upgrades will also include a new Pakenham East Station and a new space for community use.

Pakenham to be boom gate-free by 2024. Soon travel will be safer and easier for the more than 60,000 vehicles that travel through level crossings in the area each day.

Thank you

On behalf of the Cardinia Road Level Crossing Removal Project, we would like to thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation during construction.

Putting the 'car' in Cardinia Road

Cardinia Car Club members were the first to drive along the new road bridge, in a convoy of classic and vintage models.

While numbers were limited for the bridge opening, locals walking and cycling on the shared use path were treated to a show as they made their way across.

How can I see the new bridge?

Check out the video and photos of the bridge on the Cardinia Road page at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

While you're there, you can also see progress photos in the gallery, or on our Facebook page.

Paths connecting the community

When the shared use paths and pedestrian paths are completed locals will be more safely connected to services, shops, schools and a new open space.

The shared use path on the western side of the new bridge is now open. The shared use paths on ground level, and the stairs on eastern side of the bridge will soon open to connect to ground level footpaths. Thank you for your patience as we continue to complete works on the ground level shared use paths on either side of the new road bridge.

Over 1.5km of new paths as part of the project

The community will benefit from 1760 metres of new paths as part of the project.

Finishing touches

Over the coming months 38,000 trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted. More trees will be added on the south west side of the road bridge, an increase from the original design.

CCTV cameras coming soon

In May, you told us how important it is that people of all ages can share, and feel safe in, the new open space. In response to your feedback, the new open space will now have CCTV cameras, which will be monitored by Victoria Police, Pakenham. The cameras will help to create a safe environment, for everyone to enjoy.

Works on the new community space under the new road bridge are taking shape. The area is just under 1000 square metres – about the size of four tennis courts – and will cater for a range of leisure activities and interests, including netball, basketball and running.

What goes into a road bridge?

Thousands of tonnes of materials were used to build the 620-metre-long Cardinia Road bridge.

The bridge was built using:

• 200,000 tonnes of compacted soil
• 1200 individual concrete panels forming the retaining walls manufactured in Sale, Victoria
• 24 beams up to 32 metres long and 60 tonnes in weight
• 7500 tonnes of asphalt.

Community open space complete by mid 2021

The new community open space under the road bridge will open to the public by mid 2021.

The local community will be invited to attend a family friendly event to celebrate the completion of the works. The new space is the size of four tennis courts and is set to become a place for locals to come together, exercise and relax.

Final plans were shaped by more than 500 pieces of community feedback.

Upcoming works

In February, crews will work outside of our normal hours to complete the final surface layer of asphalt on the Cardinia Road bridge and undertake rail works.

• asphalting works and line marking
• installing drainage
• fencing along the rail corridor
• overhead line works
• removal of the boom gates
• construction of the new stairs and footpaths.

Upcoming disruptions

Pedestrian

The western and eastern shared use paths on ground level and the footpath on the eastern side of the new bridge will be closed until March 2021.

The pedestrian crossing at the rail line will be removed and closed permanently from Friday 19 February.

Rail

Buses replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines 10pm Friday 19 February to last service Thursday 25 February.

*Timeline subject to change

Stay up to date

Visit our website to sign up for regular project updates and for more information about the Cardinia Road Level Crossing Removal Project.

View the PDF version of this community update,  PDF, 7.9 MB