Pakenham Work Pack Three: Major milestones unlock a new-look Racecourse Road!

Pakenham Roads Upgrade Work Package 3 is charging towards completion, with the newly upgraded Racecourse Road intersection now open and final asphalt works complete across the corridor.

In just a matter of weeks, the team has delivered two major milestones on one of Pakenham’s busiest roads, transforming how thousands of locals move through the area each day. Even more impressively, the project is tracking nine months ahead of program.

The improvements are already clear on the ground. Traffic is flowing more smoothly, pedestrian connections are safer and a key congestion point has been completely reworked to support a rapidly growing community.

Milestone one | A major intersection opens to the community

In late February, the upgraded intersection at Racecourse Road, Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and Bald Hill Road officially opened.

What was once a major bottleneck is now a safer, more efficient connection designed to better handle the growth in the region.

The upgrade includes new traffic signals, additional lanes, dedicated turning movements and safer pedestrian crossings linking key local destinations.

Project Manager Lachlan Simpson said the opening was a proud moment for the team.

“The community has experienced roadworks from multiple projects in the area for around six years,” he said.

“I’m really proud of the team for stepping up and getting this vital intersection operational and reopening the road when we said we would.”

The milestone reflects strong collaboration across crews, engineers, subcontractors and stakeholders, with access maintained for local businesses throughout construction.

Milestone two | Final asphalt completes the upgrade

The second major milestone came with the completion of final asphalt and line marking across the corridor.

This marks the point where the new layout is fully operational, with smoother surfaces and clearer road markings now guiding improved traffic flow.

Works were delivered at night to minimise disruption and keep the area moving during peak hours.

We innovate with intent

The team has also been trialling AI-powered traffic monitoring to better understand driver behaviour during temporary traffic changes, helping improve planning and deliver safer, more efficient work zones.

In addition, a citrus-based dust suppressant has been successfully trialled on site, reducing dust during peak summer conditions and lowering impacts on surrounding roads. The product is now being considered for wider use across future projects.

Both initiatives reflect a simple focus. Implementing key innovations to improve outcomes for the community and the way our work is delivered.

A better connection for Pakenham

Racecourse Road is a key link between the Princes Freeway, local industry and the growing Pakenham Station precinct.

With two major milestones now complete and the project tracking nine months ahead of program, the corridor is already delivering safer, smoother and more reliable journeys for the community.