Planning work has begun for an extension of the Frankston Line to Baxter on the southern outskirts of Melbourne, with the Victorian government set to develop a business case for the project.
The federal government has provided $3 million to fund the business case, which will not only determine the costs and benefits of the line’s extension and electrification, but also track duplication works, level crossing removals, and upgrades to stations, car parking and train stabling.
“Whilst we remove level crossings, build new stations and upgrade stabling and signalling – we’re also doing the work to establish the best option to extend the Frankston line to Baxter,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
Frankston City Council has been urging for the electrification and stabling project for years, and has pointed to benefits including better access for Baxter, Frankston South and Langwarrin residents to employment opportunities, TAFE, University and hospital facilities.
The Andrews Labor government has committed $3 billion for infrastructure works on the Franston line, and works are currently underway to remove four level crossings at Patterson River and to replace the existing train stabling (with a 6-train capacity) at Carrum with a new facility at Kananook (with a 24-train capacity).
The larger stabling facility at Kananook is a necessary precondition for the extension to Baxter, the government has said, as it will help support the increase in services along the line.
“Works are progressing well on the new Station Street road bridge – as part of a massive program of works that will transform our local community, providing safe and fast travel and more open space for all to enjoy,” Labor’s member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny said.