By Alana Mitchelson
OFFICER train station will gain more than 100 additional car parking to ease the squeeze for commuters by October.
Pakenham line passengers will have access to 150 new car parking spaces, making it easier for them to find a park and catch the train from Officer.
The State Government funding will also provide new lighting, CCTV surveillance footage, line markings and signage to improve safety and access at the busy station.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Daniel Mulino said, that increasing parking capacity at Officer would also help reduce traffic congestion on local streets by encouraging more people to use public transport.
“More and more people are catching the train to work, which is putting massive pressure on car parking at Officer station,” Mr Mulino said.
“This critical investment will reduce the daily scramble to get a park and mean more choice for more people in Officer about how they get around.
“We’re making it easier to drive to the station and catch the train – which is why we’re creating up to 150 new car parking spaces right here at Officer.
“This upgrade will help locals in Officer access the trains they rely on every day to get to work, school and back home safely.”
Officer station was selected following an extensive audit of more than 200 suburban and regional stations to determine the current capacity, future demand, available land, and population growth of each area.
A series of community information sessions were held last year to give local residents and passengers the chance to have their say and find out more about the car park concept design.
The funding falls under the 2016/17 Victorian Budget which included $20 million to build more than 1500 new car parks across the outer suburbs and regional Victoria.
The project will unlock land at stations to provide thousands of free, sealed car parking spaces.
The contract has been awarded to 2-Construct to upgrade the Officer station car park.
Berwick station is also due to soon gain an additional 110 car parks.
For more information about the project, visit victrack.com.au.
