Pakenham's new open space designs

We're removing the dangerous and congested level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road in Pakenham and building new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham. The Victorian Government has fast tracked these level crossings for removal, with 22 level crossings being removed on the Pakenham line to make it boom gate free by 2025.

As part of the project, we're creating more than 6 MCGs’ worth of new community open space for locals to enjoy for generations to come. The open space will be located underneath the rail bridge between McGregor Road and Main Street and around the Pakenham Station precinct, improving connections in the area.

Piling works have started as we build the foundations of the 2.5km rail bridge. Later this year, we’ll start installing the piers and the elevated rail bridge will take shape for everyone to see.

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

Community open space

In late 2021, we asked the community for ideas to help shape the design of the new open space to be completed in 2024.

The community told us they wanted Pakenham’s new open space to include garden areas, playgrounds, active spaces, walking and cycling paths and artistic features.

Your feedback has helped shape designs for landscaping and open space under the rail bridge.

Improving connections

Many locals expressed a desire to see more cycling and walking paths in the open space.

The design includes a 3m wide shared use path under the rail bridge between McGregor Road and Main Street, improving transport connections for pedestrians and bike riders to safely access the Pakenham Station and the shopping precinct.

We’ll also create a secondary pedestrian trail, for the community to enjoy.

The open space features multi-purpose areas including:

• drinking fountains
• seating
• basketball court
• playground
• parklands
• Changing Places Facility.

Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

Lights, camera, rail bridge

We’ve been out capturing the action in Pakenham. Check out our image gallery below for the latest progress shots.

Later this year, piers and L-beams will be delivered to site in Pakenham and locals will begin to see the elevated rail bridge as we work along the rail corridor between McGregor Road and Racecourse Road.

In East Pakenham, we’ll continue building the foundations of the new East Pakenham Station. These works will involve excavating and undertaking demolition works to make way for the pedestrian and bike rider underpass which will connect Sharnet Circuit in the south to the station precinct.

Artistic touch at Pakenham Station

Earlier this year, grade 4 students at Beaconhills College created unique artworks inspired by how they’d like to use the new open space under the rail bridge in Pakenham.

Visit Pakenham Station to see the work of these talent young artists.

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