Work has begun on McGregor Road, as part of Stage 2 of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade project, which would include adding an extra lane in each direction between the Princes Freeway and Webster Way/Henry Road intersection.
The project has also delivered new freeway ramps on McGregor Road, with the inbound exit ramp opened on Wednesday 20 December.
The works would also include upgrading the intersection at McGregor Road/Henry Road/Webster Way to add additional capacity and a dedicated left turn lane from Webster Way to McGregor Road and widening the existing outbound exit ramp at McGregor Road, improving drainage and road safety barriers in the area.
Major Road Projects Victoria has signed a contract with Bildgroup, now being their fourth contract with MRPV, joining the Stage 3 of the Princes Highway East Upgrade, the Barwon Heads Upgrade and the Western Victorian Flood Recovery projects.
As part of Stage 1 of the project, works have progressed on the second two-lane bridge over the Princes Freeway on Healesville-Kooweerup Road and upgrading the freeway interchange from roundabouts to traffic lights, with works completed on the freeway embankments to support the new bridge, with the bridge beams set to be installed in January next year.
The project would also add an extra lane in each direction on the freeway between McGregor and Healesville-Kooweerup Roads to connect the entry and exit ramps between the two interchanges.
Major Road Projects Victoria program director Brendan Pauwels said the fourth McGregor Road freeway ramp, providing drivers travelling towards Gippsland with direct access to the freeway, was currently under construction and would complete the full diamond interchange by spring 2024.
“We’re well underway on Stage 1 of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade and have started early works for Stage 2 of the project,” he said.
“This is the next piece for our project team in Pakenham as we start works with BildGroup to widen the existing freeway ramps and upgrade the intersection at McGregor Road, Henry Road and Webster Way.”
Planning was continuing for Stage 3, which will build an extra lane in each direction on Racecourse Road between Peet Street and Azola Drive, upgrade intersections at Bald Hill Road and Railway Avenue and Campbell Street and improve bus connections by reopening Railway Avenue for buses only to access the new Pakenham Station.
As part of Stage 3, new shared walking and cycling paths would also be installed on Racecourse Road to improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity as well as new safety barriers and new street lighting to improve safety.
BildGroup project manager Gary Fox said they were excited to work with MRPV to deliver another key project for the South East.
“Staying true to our values, we will continue to build respectful relationships throughout the community while these important upgrades take place,” he said.
