Early works on Pakenham East Station to begin in 2021

As Pakenham’s population continues to explode, a big change is coming to it’s busy train line to accommodate extra commuters.

Early works on a new station extending Melbourne’s busy Pakenham line will begin this year.

Early works on a new station extending Melbourne’s busy Pakenham line will begin this year, with the Andrews Government announcing the site of the station and acquisitions that will impact six properties.

The state government will on Thursday release details of the location of Pakenham East Station as part a fast-tracked plan to extend the Metro network by 2km to the growing outer suburb.

It will be built between Deep Creek and the Princes Freeway, with the main entrance point to be built on the northern platform.

Crews will deliver the extension as of a level crossing blitz that will remove three boom gates in the region, with Skyrail to elevate trains through Pakenham.

Train passengers at Narree Warren board a city bound train on the Pakenham line. Bus replacements finished on the 13 January. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A state government map of new Pakenham East station.

A total of six properties will be acquired, including some partial acquisitions and one commercial property, to deliver the new station and extended railway line.

Pakenham East is expected to hold at least 7200 new homes when it is completed.

The new tracks will also benefit regional commuters be separating a bottleneck with Metro and V/Line trains where they merge on to the same line.

New areas will be built for Metro trains to turn back while V/line services will have dedicated tracks to improve trip times and allow for more services.

It comes after 100 locals submitted proposals about the rail project calling for better traffic flow and better connections between public transport and key sections of Pakenham.

“We’re delivering the infrastructure our growing southeast and Melbourne’s newest suburb needs – future-proofing the Pakenham and Gippsland lines and paving the way for more train services, more often,” Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said early works on the project will begin this year.