Moving essential services to make way for North East Link

With new project designs released, we’ll be busy in Watsonia in coming months as part of works to build North East Link.

We'll be working closely with service providers to build a new mobile phone tower, install underground telecommunication services, and add new car spaces at Watsonia Station.

We’ll also be moving underground cables and pipes on local roads and building a site compound in Frensham Reserve to support these and other works happening nearby.

Managing works well and minimising disruptions as much as we can, will be a key focus as we get these important works done safely.

Design update released for North East Link

We've developed a design that delivers even better outcomes for local people, including a longer tunnel to Watsonia and a tree-lined Greensborough Road boulevard. Read below for more details.

Works in Watsonia Station car park

Access to the station platform and bus stop will be unchanged as we move essential services and build new car spaces at Watsonia Station.

Some car spaces will be closed at times but the car park will stay open with only minor detours in place. Some accessible parking spaces may also be needed during the works, and we'll provide alternatives close to paths and crossovers.

Our worksites will be a safe distance from people and parked cars, and we’ll be installing temporary fencing on all sides to keep them secured.

We know how important train station parking is and will provide updates as the works progress.

When we'll be working

• 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
• 7pm to 6am, Sunday to Thursday
• 7am to 1pm, Saturdays

Sometimes we may need to work outside these hours and we'll let you know beforehand.

We'll notify you before work starts nearby with more information on what time and days we'll be working.

Building new car spaces at Watsonia Station

Late 2021 to early 2022

We'll be building 24 new car spaces with lighting and CCTV security cameras on the former site of the high-voltage transmission towers. These spaces will provide alternative parking during works in the northern car park.

Laying underground cables in Watsonia Station car park

Late 2021 to early 2022

We'll be installing underground telecommunication services in the northern car park. Works will happen during the day and sometimes overnight, and will be completed in 2 stages.

Building a mobile phone tower in Watsonia Station car park

Early to mid 2022

We'll help service providers to build a new mobile phone tower in the northern car park and remove the current tower nearby. There will be minor changes to the car park layout with 3 new car spaces added.

Building a site compound in Frensham Reserve, Watsonia

Early 2022 to early 2023

We'll set up a site compound to support works happening in the area. It will have temporary fencing on all sides to safely enclose sheds, materials storage and worker parking. The site compound will be accessed via Elder Street and Frensham Road.

Laying underground cables on local roads in Watsonia

Early to mid 2022

We'll be installing underground telecommunication services on Nell Street, Longmuir Road, Frensham Road and Rasheda Street. These works are expected to happen during the day.

Laying underground pipes on Watsonia Road

Early 2022

We'll be installing underground gas services on Watsonia Road, near Greensborough Road. These works are expected to happen overnight.

Working well in Watsonia

We're carefully planning our works to minimise disruptions.

Before any work begins, we'll be speaking with local traders at Watsonia Shops about what to expect and will continue to support them staying open during construction.

We’ll be using traffic controllers and signage when working near roads and paths to safely guide people through the area and maintain access as much as possible.

There will likely be some noise during works to move underground cables and pipes, and we’ll notify you before this happens.

We’re not expecting any mobile network or gas outages during these works, however your service provider will let you know if this changes.

Watsonia Hub is reopening

We're getting ready to reopen the doors to our Watsonia Community Information Hub, with a range of COVIDSafe measures in place. Keep an eye out on our social media for an opening date. Our friendly team are looking forward to chatting to locals about upcoming works in the area and the new North East Link design. Don't forget to support the local traders at Watsonia Shops while you're there!

Fixing the missing link in Melbourne's freeway network

Victoria’s longest road tunnels will fix the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network. We’ll also complete the Ring Road in Greensborough, overhaul the Eastern Freeway, build Melbourne’s first dedicated busway and the North East Trail.

Building Victoria’s longest tunnels

In response to community feedback we’re building longer tunnels and simpler underground interchanges with more room for parklands, wetlands and a tree-lined Greensborough Road boulevard.

As well as extending the North East Link tunnels further north, an extra 1.9km of the overall tunnel length will now be built using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) – keeping more work below ground and less disruption above.

Completing the Ring Road

A massive upgrade to the M80 Ring Road will improve traffic flow with new lanes, up-to-date technology and 2 new green bridges connecting locals to brand new train station parking in Watsonia.

We’ll also rebuild and upgrade 2.5km of Greensborough Highway on both sides of North East Link – keeping local roads for local trips.

Health and safety

Works are continuing safely on the North East Link Program with COVIDSafe plans in place to help protect workers and the community. Strict processes are in place to check and record the vaccination status of workers entering construction sites. For more information about coronavirus COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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