The Andrews Labor Government has commenced the business case and is doing the planning work for a future extension of the Frankston line to Baxter.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today joined Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke to make the announcement at Patterson River where works are underway on the new Station Street road bridge as part of a $588 million project to remove four dangerous level crossings.
The Labor Government has started work on the business case that will assess the costs and benefits of electrifying the line as well as additional enhancements including track duplication, level crossing removals, station upgrades, car parking and train stabling.
While the Turnbull Government has provided $3 million towards the business case, the Labor Government is spending over $2 billion on infrastructure works on the Frankston line that will enable a future extension.
As part of level crossing removals, the Government is replacing the current 6-train storage facility at Carrum with capacity to store 24 trains at Kananook.
Any future extension to Baxter cannot be undertaken without extra train stabling being provided at Kananook to accommodate the increased services.
The Victorian Liberals have opposed the train stabling at Kananook and the level crossing removals at Carrum and blocking the opportunity for more trains more often on the Frankston line.
The Labor Government’s infrastructure projects on the Frankston line are creating over 2000 jobs. The Government is continuing to work with the 7 businesses being acquired at Kananook to help them relocate and retain their employees locally.
The Government will now begin consultation with stakeholders in Frankston area as the business case is developed. The business case is expected to be finalised in early 2019.
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“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.”
Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“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.”
Quote attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“We haven’t wasted a minute giving Frankston line commuters new stations, safer and faster journeys - paving the way for more trains more often.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020