Works are stepping up in Bulleen as we prepare for major construction of the North East Link Tunnels. We've started setting up work sites in the area and will be making some changes to Bulleen Road soon to keep traffic moving as works progress.

As well as setting up work sites to support construction of the North East Link Tunnels, we're also preparing to build the new Manningham Road interchange.

Soon, we'll start getting ready to make some changes to Bulleen Road. Moving lanes further west, to give us room to build the new tunnel entrances and Yarra Link green bridge, while keeping traffic on this busy road moving right through construction.

We've been out talking to nearby residents and businesses and will continue to keep you updated as works progress.

Fast facts

• 6.5km longer tunnel from Watsonia to Bulleen
• simpler interchanges at Lower Plenty and Manningham roads
• 14,700 cars and trucks off Bulleen Road each day
• traffic lights to enter Veneto Club and Bulleen Road schools
• 2-hectare Yarra Link green bridge over Bulleen Road
• 3 new wetlands at the Yarra River and Koonung Creek.

Upcoming works

Download the fact sheet (PDF, 1014.6 KB) to view the map in detail.

Manningham Road interchange

We’re getting ready for construction of the new Manningham Road interchange, that will shift 14,700 vehicles a day off Bulleen Road and into the North East Link Tunnels.

The simpler ramp layout avoids the historic River Red Gum on Bridge Street, reduces impacts on Bulleen Art & Garden and opens up more land for future development.

Over the coming months we’ll be:

• commencing earthworks and ground levelling for flood protection of the area
• demolishing the vacant properties in the Bulleen Industrial Precinct
• continuing to establish construction compounds to support our workforce at the southern end of the site, including worker car parking to avoid use of local streets
• delivering heavy machinery and equipment to support tunnelling operations.

East side of Bulleen Road, Trinity Grammar to Eastern Freeway

We’re getting ready to start construction of the southern-most part of the tunnels, where they’ll connect to the Eastern Freeway.

As with the Manningham Road interchange, this section will be built using the ‘cut and cover tunnelling’ method. We’re:

• establishing construction compounds and worker facilities to support construction
• doing aquatic surveys, planning and preparation to protect the operation of Trinity Lake through construction
• bringing large machinery and materials to site to prepare for tunnelling
• working closely with all schools, clubs and sporting facilities in the area to make sure construction is well planned and managed and they can continue to thrive during construction.

Bulleen Road, Veneto Club to Eastern Freeway

We’re working hard to keep traffic moving along Bulleen Road while maintaining good access for local schools, sports clubs and the Veneto Club during construction.

To help with this, we’ll soon start making some changes to Bulleen Road, shifting the lanes further west. This will help make room for the new tunnel entrances and Yarra Link green bridge and keep traffic moving right through construction. We’re:

• doing more earthworks and setting up a construction compound and car parking for workers
• starting work on a new car park for the Veneto Club, with this to open in early 2023 before we make changes to Bulleen Road
• other preparation works before we start to build the new lanes on Bulleen Road, which will be open to traffic in mid-2023.

Once these works are complete and Bulleen Road traffic has moved onto the new lanes, we’ll start building the new Yarra Link green bridge, the entrance and exit ramps for the tunnels and then the tunnel ventilation structure.

Before North East Link opens, Bulleen Road will be upgraded with new traffic lights and access roads for Carey Grammar, Marcellin College, Trinity Grammar and the Veneto Club, with new landscaping and cycling and walking connections.

The two-hectare green bridge over Bulleen Road will link Koonung Creek Trail to Bulleen Park for the first time. The bridge will be planted with indigenous trees, grasses and shrubs. Pockets of open space will provide a bike and walking trail, a fitness station and places to stop, rest and enjoy views of the Yarra River.

How we’ll build the North East Link Tunnels

In response to community feedback we’ve extended the North East Link Tunnels by building an extra 1.9km using tunnel boring machines (TBMs).

The TBMs will now travel further south under Manningham Road, avoiding the need for construction work at Banksia Park.

While most of the work will happen deep underground, there will be some works at the surface in Bulleen and we’ll be using a method called ‘cut and cover tunnelling’ at the Manningham Road interchange. As part of this cut and cover tunnel construction, we need 65,000 tonnes of bentonite, a common clay material, to help build the tunnel wall structures. A purpose-built bentonite plant will be constructed to support these works.

The wall structures are first dug out by a special piling rig. As the material comes out, it is replaced by bentonite, which holds the shape of the structure.

It’s a safe and sustainable way of building vertical walls when the construction space is tight.

Keeping you moving during construction

We’re planning construction to minimise traffic disruptions so you can keep moving throughout works.

Truck movements

During construction, there will be a large number of trucks travelling to and from our work sites to build the North East Link Tunnels.

We’re working hard to minimise impacts by planning truck routes to avoid use of local roads, and using haul roads within our work sites to contain truck movements within the site. We’ll also have dedicated entry and exit locations from our sites, including keeping the traffic light intersection operational at Greenaway Street on Bulleen Road.

Road works

When we need to undertake road works during construction, we’ll have safety barriers in place to separate people and road users from works. We’ll install signs to guide road and path users through changed conditions and detours, and work to only close lanes at night wherever possible. During works, we’ll have traffic controllers and reduced speed limits to help you travel safely.

As works progress, please allow extra travel time for your journey and be mindful as you move around the area.

When we'll be working

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

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

We'll be in touch with nearby residents as works start near them, giving more detail on times and days we'll be working in their area.

Community Fund launched

Community projects big and small will benefit from the new North East Community Fund.

Applications have closed for the first funding round, and there will be another funding round in 2023.

The fund will support projects and provide lasting community benefit to areas most impacted by construction.

For more information, visit North East Community Fund.

Tree boost for local schools

Twenty schools, kindergartens and early learning centres near tunnelling works now have access to nursery vouchers as part of a $50,000 program to support more green spaces as North East Link is built.

Yarra View and Bushland Flora Nursery, a leading social enterprise nursery, are providing trees, plants and supplies as part the program.

Logs, timber and mulch from trees that need to be removed are being given to local community groups, schools and organisations to use, including donating more than 50 logs to Banyule Council for playground furniture, seating and tables.

Keeping you up to date

We’ll continue to provide the local community with information about construction as it progresses.

Our community engagement team are out talking to people about works in their area and how we can support residents and traders during construction.

Speak with the team

Watsonia Community Hub

17 Watsonia Road, Watsonia
10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Find us on Google maps

Bulleen Office

7a Kim Close, Bulleen
9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Find us on Google maps

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