The State Government is forging ahead with the Healesville-Kooweerup Road Upgrade, with works on new roundabout at Ballarto Road underway.
Once complete, the new roundabout will make it safer for drivers turning into or crossing Healesville-Kooweerup Road.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin said the new roundabout at the Ballarto Road intersection is a major safety upgrade that once complete will reduce the risk of crashes and help locals get where they need to be safer and sooner.
“We thank people for their patience as we get on with not only this vital upgrade, but also the Racecourse Level Crossing Removal – both will deliver significantly safer driving conditions the tens of thousands of cars travelling in the area each day,” she said.
As part of the upgrade, the government is building a new bridge over McGregor Drain on Ballarto Road to replace the existing bridge as part of the approach to the new roundabout.
The plans also involve building a new bridge at Island Road, which will be stronger than the existing bridge and, once open, will better cater for heavy vehicle movements.
Drainage in this area will also be improved by installing additional culverts to reduce the risk of flooding.
To safely complete these important works, the following closures will occur.
Ballarto Road eastbound between Healesville-Kooweerup and McDonalds Drain roads from 7pm Monday 30 January to Thursday 6 April. Detours will be in place via Kooweerup-Longwarry, Station and Kooweerup roads.
Ballarto Road westbound between Healesville-Kooweerup and Cardinia roads from 7pm Monday 30 January to Monday 24 April. Detours will be place via Cardinia Road, Princes Freeway and Kooweerup Road.
Island Road between Healesville-Kooweerup and Lea roads from 7pm Monday 30 January to Monday 24 April. Detours will be in place via Manks and Lea roads.
Motorists are advised to follow the detour signage and allow extra time for their journey.
The installation of new traffic lights at the Greenhills Road intersection is also underway, which once complete will improve safety for drivers turning in and out of Greenhills Road and make it easier and safer for everyone to travel around Pakenham South.
As part of the works, Greenhills Road at Healesville-Kooweerup Road will be closed until mid-March.
Detours are in place via Southeast Boulevard and Commercial Drive, with delays of up to three minutes expected during peak times.
The Healesville-Kooweerup Road Upgrade is expected to be complete by 2025.
