9 June 2023
We're lifting big at Pakenham
We are one step closer to the level crossings being gone for good.
Works are full steam ahead as we remove three dangerous and congested level crossings in Pakenham, by building a rail bridge over the roads. The elevated rail bridge is really starting to take shape after installation of the L-Beams over Main Street and McGregor Road last month. Work on the new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham continues. Once complete, these will offer better access to shopping precincts and local facilities including extra parking spaces for the stations.
The elevated rail bridge will create six MCG's worth of open space, to be completed by 2024.
We want to thank the community for your patience while we closed Main Street and McGregor Road during April to install the bridge beams over the roads. It was an exciting milestone to see those huge bridge segments lifted into place.
We have some 24/7 works coming up in June – see below for more detail.
Why these level crossings need to go
- 63,000 vehicles use these crossings each weekday
- Boom gates down for more than 30 minutes of the morning peak
- 170 Metro and V/Line trains pass through the level crossings daily
- 90,000 passengers use the Cranbourne – Pakenham line each day
Supporting local businesses during road closures
Thank you for continuing to shop locally in Pakenham during traffic changes on Main Street and McGregor Road!
The spend and win campaign was a great success, with many Pakenham residents shopping in the area and entering the competition. Our first prize winner purchased a lawn mower with her voucher at Pakenham Mowers and Chainsaws.
Other lucky winners also received vouchers from Pakenham Jewellers, Evolution Hair Parlour, The Great Australian Bakehouse and The Chocolate Shop Pakenham.
24/7 works in June
Buses will replace trains between Berwick and Pakenham from Thursday 8 June to Wednesday 21 June while the team works round the clock on building the rail bridge, installing signalling and continuing track works at East Pakenham. During this time, there will be some minor delays at each level crossing to allow construction vehicles safe access to the rail corridor. Pedestrian and vehicle access to private homes and businesses will be maintained with traffic management.
To stay up to date on disruptions and details of bus replacements visit the PTV website.
Road impacts
During our 24/7 works along the rail corridor, there will be road closures at Racecourse Road, McGregor Road and Main Street.
Project kiosk at Pakenham Central.
Pakenham Project Kiosk
Our new project kiosk is located at Pakenham Central! It is designed to provide shoppers with information on the project while keeping the kids entertained with some child friendly activities. Make sure you check it out next time you are shopping at Pakenham Central. The kiosk is located outside Woolworths.
Track works at East Pakenham.
Progress at East Pakenham
Tracking well at the site of the new East Pakenham Station.
In June, temporary tracks will be installed in East Pakenham. These tracks will allow us to build the new train line, minimising disruption for passengers. After the 24/7 works in June, we will build the new permanent tracks which will be linked to the new rail bridge – all while trains continue to run.
Underpass at the new station
We have completed piling and excavation for the pedestrian underpass at East Pakenham Station. We will continue to work on the underpass with installation of barriers, panelling, ramps, and stairs as well as landscaping still to be finalised.
Leonie Thorne at her Pakenham store, The Chocolate Shop.
Sweet treats in Pakenham
The Chocolate Shop in Pakenham holds a sweet spot in the heart of the Main Street shopping precinct.
Leonie Thorne’s Chocolate Shop opened on Pakenham’s Main Street in 2005 and her delicacies have been part of the community ever since. The shop specialises in delightful imported European chocolates, lollies, and biscuits.
“The shop may be small but packs a lot in,” says Leonie. “We have a lot of specialised items that can’t be found anywhere else.”
Leonie is well known in the area for supporting the local community and her made to order hampers. She offers free delivery around Pakenham and is happy to gift wrap your purchases for that special occasion.
The shop has an enticing fare of bagged lollies as well as a large selection of collectable tins for that unique gift. The shop stocks a delicious range of ice creams and an interesting array of flavoured soft drinks from all around the world.
If you want to indulge in your sweet tooth, or need a special treat be sure to visit:
The Chocolate Shop Pakenham 112 Main Street, Pakenham
03 5941 7165 | thechocolateshoppakenham.com
Mr Yakkerboo at the festival in Pakenham.
Pakenham Yakkerboo Festival
Community members had the chance to learn about the Pakenham Level Crossing Removal among other Big Build projects happening around Pakenham at the Yakkerboo Festival held on Sunday 30 April.
The well-loved Yakkerboo festival has taken place in Pakenham for around 47 years where the guest of honour is Mr Yakkerboo. The word Yakkerboo is a word of Aboriginal origin meaning a place of green pastures. The volunteer run festival celebrates the mythical bunyip creature with rides, face painting, pony rides, fireworks among other kid friendly activities.
Thank you for coming to the festival, helping us celebrate Mr Yakkerboo and learning more about the Big Build projects.
Keeping in touch
To stay up to date subscribe to our email updates and sign up to the Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project.
Text PAKENHAM to 0428 581 917 to sign up for SMS updates.
If you have any questions or would like more information, call 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We have a dedicated team working with the community and train passengers to keep you informed about what's happening during each stage of construction.
Project Timeline
2020
- Site investigations
- Technical and engineering assessments
- Community engagement
Early 2021
- Community engagement
- Further engineering investigations
Mid 2021
- Station designs announced
Late 2021
- Open space community consultation
- Early works
2022
- Construction
- Open space designs released
- Timeline subject to change.
2023
- Construction
2024
- Boom gates gone for good
- Pakenham and East Pakenham stations open
- Community space open for locals to enjoy