Super rail package to improve services

A new “superstation” and the removal of four level crossings at Pakenham has been announced by the state government with the projects claimed to give Gippsland train travellers more frequent and reliable services and more travel choices.

According to a government media release the “superstation” will include a third platform to separate regional and metropolitan trains at Pakenham.

At the foot of the announcement a quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing states the work will improve the reliability of Gippsland services and provide more travel choices.

The government says the new station and removal of level crossings will give Gippsland users travelling to the suburbs the option of “a seamless interchange” onto high frequency metro services to be provided through new and bigger High Capacity Metro Trains.

No details were given of the when work by might start or be completed if the Labor government is re-elected.

There were no answers given by the government media unit to requests by The Gazette for information about the timing of the work and the extent of any additional disruptions to Gippsland train services.

The removal of the level crossings at Pakenham will be achieved through construction of “bridge” over the roadways.

The bridge would initially have two tracks but designed to allow a third track to be added if required in future.