John Holland, with North Western Program Alliance partners Level Crossing Removal Project, Kellogg Brown Root and Metro Trains Melbourne, has been awarded the $844 million contract to remove three level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road in the Melbourne suburbs of Pakenham and East Pakenham.
The scope of works involves the construction of a modernised Pakenham Station and a brand-new East Pakenham Station. A 2.5-kilometre rail bridge will elevate the rail line and open up 125,000 square metres of community space below.
John Holland Executive General Manager, Infrastructure Andrew English said the team is eager to get started on their ninth level crossing removal project as part of the Victorian Government’s plan to remove 85 of Melbourne’s worst level crossings by 2025.
“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,” Mr English said.
The architecturally designed Pakenham Station will feature an upgraded station forecourt, bus interchange and two dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones. Lifts and stairs will take passengers waiting in the climate-controlled waiting room at street level to the two platforms above. An additional 450 car parking spaces, secure bike storage and new walking and cycling paths alongside the rail line will further enhance the commuter journey.
The brand-new East Pakenham Station is a crucial piece of infrastructure in one of Melbourne’s newest suburbs. It will cater to the booming population in the area by connecting commuters for the first time to Melbourne’s existing regional and metropolitan rail networks.
The Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project is part of a $15 billion investment to upgrade the Pakenham line, which will be boom gate free by 2025, making room for 121,000 extra peak hour passengers each week.
A total of 750 jobs will be created as part of construction which will commence early next year.
The North Western program alliance has successfully removed eight level crossings and constructed four new stations. The success of these projects has been recognised with the alliance being awarded the Pakenham and East Pakenham projects, the largest level crossing project in Victoria.
