Landscaping works are now underway as part of works to create new open space areas in Pakenham, following the removal of three level crossings and building the new Pakenham and East Pakenham stations earlier this year.
Taking advantage of the spring conditions, team members from the Level Crossing Removal Project are busy planting more than 330,000 grasses, trees and shrubs in and around the new Pakenham and East Pakenham station precincts ready for the spaces to open later in the year.
Some of Pakenham’s newest plants include the weeping bottlebrush, ruby saltbush, golden wattle and spotted gum.
The new open space will include a three-metre-wide shared use path under the rail bridge between McGregor Road and Main Street, improving transport connections for pedestrians and bike riders to safely access Pakenham station and the shopping precinct.
It will also feature multi-purpose areas including a barbecue area, playground, half-basketball court, active spaces and gardens.
A Changing Places facility will also be built for people who can not use standard accessible toilets.
The level crossings at Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road in Pakenham have been removed by building a 2.5km section of elevated rail, with the new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham opened in June.
The crossings were removed by building a rail bridge over the three roads, allowing room for the open space landscaping works.
