Major station upgrade in Melbourne's south-east to quell congestion

Designs for the new Hallam train station in Melbourne's south-east have been revealed, following the completion of a nearby $225 million road upgrade.

The major Thompsons Road upgrade, which connects to East Link and the South Gippsland Freeway, has been completed following final works on at the corner of Frankston-Dandenong Road and Thompsons Road in Carrum Downs.

The roundabout at the major intersection has been removed and traffic lights installed, along with road-widening works, including the creation of two dedicated right-turn lanes and three through lanes on each approach to the intersection, and slip lanes.

An artist's impression of the new Hallam station.

More than 58,000 motorists drive through the intersection of Thompsons and Frankston-Dandenong roads each day. The broader upgrade of Thompsons Road began in early 2017.

While one level crossing has been removed in the long-term works, the nearby Evans Road level crossing will be removed later this year.

The state government said that once complete, Hallam station would be accessible to commuters from each side of Hallam Road with multiple lift and stair entrances.

The new elevated station will be built as part of the separate project to remove the Hallam Road level crossing, which will begin later this year. The level crossing will physically be removed in 2022.

The elevated Hallam station will feature lifts and stairs.

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the recently completed road project would contribute to "easing congestion and keeping Victorians in work through the coronavirus pandemic".

"We’ve delivered the Thompsons Road upgrade four months early and we’re getting on with removing the Hallam Road level crossing and delivering the brand new station."

It is hoped that an extra 121,0000 passengers will be able to use the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines during peak periods — a 45 per cent increase — once level crossings, including the one at Hallam Road, are removed, and the Metro Tunnel is completed, increasing train capacity.