All aboard the new Merinda Park Station platform

The Victorian Government is investing more than $1 billion to fully duplicate the Cranbourne line and remove level crossings between Dandenong and Cranbourne – improving safety, reducing congestion and allowing more trains, more often.

The first of 2 new Merinda Park Station platforms is now open. Passengers can access the platform via a brand-new station entrance on Endeavour Drive, with work on the second new platform well underway.

Trains every 10 minutes from Cranbourne are also a step closer, with 2.3kms of new duplicated track already installed.

8km of track will be laid to fully duplicate the line between Cranbourne and Dandenong, boosting capacity for 121,000 extra peak passengers each week once trains start running through the Metro Tunnel.

We're supporting local jobs by using ballast from Pakenham, more than 16,000 rail sleepers from Geelong and more than 22km of Australian steel rail welded in Sunshine.

Project benefits

• Trains every 10 minutes at peak times
• Fewer delays and a more reliable service
• Increased walking and cycling connections
• Dedicated tracks in each direction for trains
• Additional car parking
• Paving the way for a rail extension to Clyde

Sneak peek at the new Merinda Park Station pedestrian underpass

The new Merinda Park Station will transform the look and feel of the area, with new platforms, duplicated tracks, landscaping, new stairs and entry ramps.

Now under construction, the new underpass will be spacious, modern and have a clear line of sight and CCTV from both entrances.

The underpass will be an important pedestrian link, not only between platforms, but for nearby residents to cross the rail line safely.

Creating a new pedestrian link under the tracks means we can remove the pedestrian level crossing – currently the only way to cross the rail line.

We can now show you the first glimpse of the new underpass while it’s under construction, and we’re on track for it to be open for use later this year.

Cranbourne line upgrade works ahead of schedule

One of the last remaining level crossings on the busy Cranbourne line at Camms Road will be gone for good by 2024, one year ahead of schedule.

We’ll build a road bridge to free up traffic for the 12,000 vehicles that pass through the crossing each day.

The Victorian Government is also delivering new and upgraded car parking spaces at Cranbourne Station as part of the Car Parks for Commuters Program.

Cranbourne Line Upgrade lights the way

In a Level Crossing Removal Project first, 100% solar-powered light stands specifically designed for construction have been installed on our sites in Dandenong South.

Our site teams worked with Generators Australia to design and develop the light stands tailored for construction and Melbourne’s shorter winter days.

The light stands, fitted with Bluetooth technology to allow simple mobile phone activation, have replaced noisy diesel powered lights and have built-in motion sensors that increase brightness when triggered by movement.

Switching from diesel lighting will save 15,000 litres of fuel and will reduce fuel costs each year. As well as reducing fuel impacts, the light stands will save more than 40,000kg of carbon dioxide annually.

The combined impact of the solar-powered light stands is similar to taking 9 cars off the road for an entire year.

Following a successful trial period in Dandenong South, the light stands will be installed at other level crossing removal project sites across the State.

Behind the build: meet Jill, telehandler operator

The Cranbourne Line Upgrade is employing more than 1000 people during construction. Jill, who has lived near Cranbourne most of her life, is excited to be part of the Merinda Park Station construction team.

Employed as a telehandler operator – a mobile crane that loads and unloads materials around the construction site – Jill explains that after working on the Cheltenham level crossing removal, she was keen to get more involved in similar projects.

‘I took it upon myself to enrol in courses that would give me more hands-on roles and more responsibilities,’ says Jill.

‘I’ve now successfully completed several courses, including an excavator and roller operator course, a Dogman course, which means I’m now qualified to ensure the techniques, selection and inspection of lifting equipment and I can give directions to a hoist or crane operator. I then gained my C6 Crane Licence, which allows me to operate a slewing crane weighing up to 60 tonnes.’

The Cranbourne Line Upgrade is not only a chance for Jill to fulfil her own career ambitions but also be part of a hardworking, committed team, where safety is a number one priority.

‘I’ve found the project team has a real family feel to it,’ says Jill. ‘The culture is very inclusive, and we all work together as one to do our jobs safely and successfully.’

One of Jill’s key motivations is the benefits the project will deliver for the local community.

‘My family have lived in the area and watched it grow and develop over the years,’ says Jill.

‘The project is creating local jobs and stimulating the local economy – so many of us on the project team shop local! And when it’s done, the project is going to deliver more reliable and frequent trains, and the new station at Merinda Park will provide better facilities for commuters.’

Project timeline

2021

• Merinda Park Station down platform open
• Track duplication underway

2023

• Greens Road level crossing removed
• New Merinda Park Station complete
• Cranbourne line duplication works open

2024

• Camms Road level crossing removed

*Timeline above subject to change.