Pakenham Roads Upgrade
About
The Pakenham Roads Upgrade is an Australian government initiative being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria.
The project will be delivered in 3 stages, with upgrades to the Princes Freeway the first to get underway.
More info: Victoria's Big Build website
Princes Freeway upgrade (stage 1)
The Princes Freeway upgrade (stage 1) will include:
- upgrading the freeway interchanges at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, replacing both roundabouts with traffic lights
- building an extra bridge over the Princes Freeway at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road to provide 2 lanes in each direction
- building new east-facing ramps to and from the Princes Freeway at McGregor Road
- adding an extra lane in each direction on the freeway between McGregor and Healesville-Koo Wee Rup roads to connect the entry and exit ramps between the 2 interchanges
- adding extra lanes on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road between Peet Street and Southeast Boulevard/Livestock Way, so that it is 2 lanes in each direction
- installing new shared walking and cycling paths to improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity
- installing safety barriers and new street lighting to improve safety.
- an extra lane in each direction between Princes Freeway and Manks Road
Construction has commenced for Stage 1.
McGregor Road upgrade (stage 2)
The McGregor Road upgrade (stage 2) will include:
- adding an extra lane on McGregor Road between the Princes Freeway and Webster Way
- upgrading the intersection of McGregor Road, Henry Road and Webster Way
- widening the western ramps at the freeway interchange and reinstating traffic lights to manage vehicles entering the freeway.
Planning is now underway, with construction on McGregor Road expected to start mid 2023
Racecourse Road upgrade (stage 3)
The Racecourse Road upgrade (stage 3) will include:
- adding an extra lane on Racecourse Road between Peet Street and Azola Drive
- upgrading the intersection at Bald Hill Road by replacing the roundabout with traffic lights
- upgrading the intersection at Railway Avenue and Campbell Street by adding traffic lights
- improving bus connections by reopening Railway Avenue for buses only to access the new Pakenham Station
- building a shared walking and cycling path on the western side of Racecourse Road from Henry Street to South East Boulevard
- building a footpath on the eastern side of Racecourse Road from Henry Street to Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road freeway interchange
- improving road safety by adding a centre median and safety barriers along Racecourse Road between Bald Hill Road and Railway Avenue, with access to businesses becoming left in, left out only.
Construction on Racecourse Road expected to start by the end of 2023.