Racecourse Road bridge safety works
Underway
About the project
Racecourse Road near Newmarket Station has a low clearance rail bridge (3.7m high), allowing the Craigieburn train line to pass over.
There have been repeated incidents involving over-height trucks colliding with the bridge or striking overhead tram wires.
These incidents are not only dangerous and pose a serious safety risk to everyone on the road, but they also disrupt critical public transport services and cause significant congestion and costly repairs.
What we’re doing
We’re implementing treatments to protect the bridge and tram lines and to create a safer road environment for all road users. Treatments include:
- Restricting right-turn movements into and out from Bellair Street at Racecourse Road by installing flexible bollards.
- Relocating the over-height truck bay from one of the traffic lanes on Racecourse Road to the nearby car share parking spots.
- Installing 30 additional wayfinding and advanced warning signs to detour over-height trucks.
- Upgrading overhead electronic signs with over-height truck detection technology to direct over-height trucks to approved routes.
Download a version of this map
The map above shows the planned safety improvements at the Racecourse Road and Bellair Street intersection. It shows the key features of the upgrade, including the new location of the over-height truck bay, flexible bollards and the new restrictions to right turn movements into and from Bellair Street.
Alternate routes for Bellair Street access
- Drivers travelling east on Racecourse Road to access Bellair Street can make a U-turn at the Stubbs Street intersection, and turn left into Bellair Street.
- Drivers on Bellair Street wanting to travel east can turn left onto Racecourse Road and make a U-turn at the Racecourse Road and Epsom roundabout.
Download a version of this map
The map above shows alternate routes to access Bellair Street.
When to expect us
Works are expected to commence in August and be completed by the end of September 2025.
During works, you can expect changed traffic conditions in place including temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits.
If travelling through the area, please observe all traffic management and follow the direction of traffic controllers.
Frequently asked question
Why are you banning the right turn into and out of Bellair Street at Racecourse Road?
We’re banning right turns at the Bellair Street and Racecourse Road intersection to make the area safer and keep traffic moving.
Right turns at this location often create conflicts between vehicles and trams, leading to delays and safety risks. Vehicles waiting to turn right on Racecourse Road into Bellair Street often block the traffic lane and causes congestion, which disrupts both general traffic and tram services.
In addition to the other planned treatments, banning the right turns by installing flexible bollards will help protect overhead tram lines from being damaged by over-height trucks making a right turn into Bellair Street or an illegal U-turn. Over-height trucks will be able to safely pull over to the dedicated over-height truck bay and wait for assistance.
Banning right turns will also improve visibility for pedestrian and bike riders, making the intersection safer for everyone.
Get in touch
Email: [email protected]