Rail bridge takes shape

L-beams form the 'U' shape of the bridge where the trains will run.

The bridge that will see trains flying above Pakenham is starting to take shape as the Level Crossing Removal Project reaches a significant milestone.

The last of 272 L-beams have been put in place, these are massive concrete formations that are joined together to for the ’U’ shape of the bridge to which the trains will pass through.

This leaving a continues concrete ribbon above Pakenham’s busy level crossings to which commuters can now get a sense of what will be a 2.5km rail bridge allowing trains to cross above Main Street, Racecourse Road and McGregor Road.

Each L-beam was significant work to transport, lift and place as they measure upwards of 32m in length and weigh up to 135 tonnes each.

Achieving the last of 272 is a significant milestone as the project enters it’s home stretch with expected completion of level crossing removal project to be this year.

Along with removing three level crossings, the project will see new stations open for Pakenham and Pakenham East, while the bridge will create a claimed 6 MCGs worth of open space between McGregor Road and Main Street.