By mid-2026, major works on the Racecourse Road Upgrade will be complete, with 2 lanes open in both directions all the way from Koo Wee Rup to Henry Street, upgraded intersections at Bald Hill Road and Campbell Street, and a network of new paths creating pedestrian and bicycle connections for the community. To reach this milestone, there will be disruptions to the way you travel throughout summer.
What’s been happening
In early October we reopened Bald Hill Road on the western side of Racecourse Road/Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and opened new lanes from outside 7-Eleven to Henry Street. In a key milestone, vehicles are now driving on new north bound lanes from Peet Street to Henry Street.
New southbound lanes on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road between West Gippsland Auto Electrical and Peet Street were opened in early December, reopening direct left in and left out access to businesses in this area.
Along with the new lanes, we’ve opened 1 kilometre of new shared use path, from Henry Street to Peet Street, connecting to 10km of paths extending towards Koo Wee Rup.
Current works
We’re building the new southbound lanes of Racecourse Road between Henry Street and Bald Hill Road.
We’re also working on upgrading Bald Hill Road on the eastern side of Racecourse Road with new lanes, traffic lights and medians which will form part of the upgraded intersection to be opened in February 2026.
Up at Pakenham Creek, we’ve been replacing the old culverts under the road with larger ones as part of flood protection works that will reduce the risk and impact of flooding for many local residents and the surrounding road network. Read more about the Pakenham Creek culverts.
Changes to the way you travel
As we work to bring you new lanes and paths by mid-2026, there will be disruptions to travel in Pakenham. We’ll also use new lanes to temporarily maintain traffic in both directions, so keep an eye out for changed traffic conditions.
Racecourse Road
Racecourse Road is closed between Henry Street and Cameron Way until 5pm Wednesday 17 December while we upgrade the culverts on Pakenham Creek. A pedestrian detour will also be in place during this time.
Bald Hill Road
Bald Hill Road is closed at the intersection of Racecourse Road on the eastern side until late February 2026.
To access businesses on the eastern side of the intersection, you can turn right or left into Peet Street from Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road.
