21 February 2024
We’re upgrading key roads in Bulleen to make way for the simpler Manningham Road interchange, a new wetland, and an Indigenous cultural precinct.
The new Manningham Road interchange will shift 14,700 vehicles a day from Bulleen Road to the North East Link tunnels – returning local roads to the community and preserving the historic River Red Gum on Bridge Street.
For around two years, eastbound traffic on Manningham Road will be redirected onto Bridge Street to create the space needed to build the North East Link tunnel entry and exit ramps. Works are already underway next to Bridge Street, Manningham Road and Bulleen Road in preparation for these changed traffic conditions. During these works, there will be some lane closures, intersection closures and detours in place to keep you moving. These changes will help to reduce disruptions as we get underway with building the North East Link tunnels.
Once the tunnel ramps are built, we'll make more changes to the intersection at Manningham Road, Bulleen Road and Bridge Street to further enhance safety for all road users. There will be some delays for commuters during these works, though we're working hard to minimise disruptions to the community, road users, local schools and businesses.
We encourage you to stay up to date with traffic conditions via the VicRoads website or northeastlink.vic.gov.au.
Download pdf of fact sheet to view detour maps - PDF, 1.0 MB.
What changes are occurring?
Pedestrian access
We’ll be installing traffic lights at the corner of Bulleen Road and Bridge Street to improve safety for road users and pedestrians. We'll also build a new footpath on the northern side of Bridge Street to improve access into Banksia Park.
New Bulleen Road access lane
To improve safety for road users, we'll need to remove some on-street parking on the east side of Bulleen Road, north of Manningham Road.
Mangan Street access
The new access lane alongside Bulleen Road will allow cars to turn left into Mangan Street. There will be no exit from Mangan Street onto Bulleen Road – road users will detour via Robert Street or Elizabeth Street.
Overnight intersection closures
In late March and mid-April 2024, intersections along Manningham Road, Bulleen Road and Bridge Street will be closed overnight for up to five nights. If you plan to travel during this period, we recommend allowing extra time for your journey. Check the VicRoads and North East Link websites for more information on traffic disruptions.
Timeline of works
December 2023 to February 2024
- Preparation works next to Manningham Road, Bridge Street and Bulleen Road
March 2024
- Switching eastbound traffic from Manningham Road onto Bridge Street
- Left-in only access into Mangan Street
- Full intersection closure for two nights to upgrade the Bridge Street, Manningham Road and Bulleen Road intersections
April 2024
- Intersection closure for up to three nights to upgrade Bulleen Road, Manningham Road and Bridge Street intersections
- Moving Manningham Road westbound traffic onto new lanes
- Reducing lanes on Manningham Road for one week
Mid 2025
- Further changes to Manningham Road westbound lanes as nearby tunnelling activities commence.
Bulleen's Open for Business
Protecting and maintaining the operations of the Bulleen Road traders is a priority for North East Link.
As we continue works to make it easier and safer to travel in the area, Bulleen Traders will stay open and we encourage locals to support these businesses.
Big Build Eastern Freeway
We're building a brand new interchange on Bulleen Road, to connect an upgraded Eastern Freeway to the 6.5 kilometre North East Link tunnels in Bulleen.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue night works on Thompsons and Bulleen roads to create space to build the new interchange.
We’re also extending the newly built Bulleen Road, which will run between Carey Sports Complex and Thompsons Road. This new section will create the space needed to build the North East Link tunnels entrance, while keeping traffic moving through Bulleen.