Temporary changes to Estelle Street and Koonung Creek Reserve

Work has started to build the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network.

We’re moving almost 100 above and underground services such as power, water, gas, sewerage and telecommunications to make way for North East Link.

North East Link will reduce travel times between the M80 Ring Road and the Eastern Freeway by up to 35 minutes, take 15,000 trucks off local roads a day, and give local roads back to local communities. The project will deliver a massive upgrade to the Eastern Freeway, Melbourne’s first dedicated busway and more than 25km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths.

This year, works will begin to move 2 water mains under the Eastern Freeway between Estelle Street, Bulleen and Koonung Creek Reserve in Balwyn North.

To support these works, a site compound will be established within Koonung Creek Reserve and a works area will be built next to the road way on Estelle Street. There will also be some temporary changes to local roads and walking and cycling paths.

CPB Contractors are leading this work and we're starting to talk to residents now about how the works may affect them.

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Building the new water mains

Around 124m of new water pipes will be installed under the Eastern Freeway between Estelle Street, Bulleen and Koonung Creek Reserve, Balwyn North.

To minimise disruptions for local residents and keep traffic moving, pipes under the Eastern Freeway will be installed using a micro Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).

Connections to existing water mains will be built at both ends by digging a trench that can be filled and then covered once works are finished.

Micro TBMs work much the same way as full size TBMs, but are driven remotely using a purpose-built control room above ground.

To launch, as well as drive and retrieve the micro TBM, a site compound will be established within Koonung Creek Reserve and a works area will be established next to the road way on Estelle Street.

Works to prepare the 2 sites and install the new water mains will be done in different stages and take around 9 months.

When will we be working?

Works will be done during the day from:

• 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• 8am to 1pm, Saturdays

Please note some works outside of these hours may be required, including tunnelling activities and supporting works. If works outside of these hours are needed, nearby residents will be notified well in advance.

What to expect during construction

To make sure people can move safely around work areas, we’re planning some temporary changes to local roads, as well as walking and cycling paths and trails.

We’re also looking at how we can minimise impacts on Koonung Creek Reserve while still providing access to and from work areas.

Changes to Estelle Street

A section of Estelle Street on the east side of the Kenneth Street roundabout near Yarraleen Trail will need to be temporarily closed when we install connections to the existing water network under the road. These works are planned for early 2021.

The rest of Estelle Street and all other local roads in the area will stay open and residents will be able to access their driveways at all times.

A temporary detour for pedestrians and cyclists using the Koonung Creek Trail will also be in place.

We’ll be in touch with local residents with more information about these changes well in advance of these works starting.

Changes to Koonung Creek Reserve

Depending on the location of the temporary access road within the reserve, sections of the main Koonung Creek Trail and tracks may need to be temporarily diverted.

Any detours will be well sign posted and suitable for bike riders and walkers.

As part of works in Koonung Creek Reserve, some vegetation will need to be removed.

Strict Environmental Performance Requirements will ensure this is minimised as much as possible and replaced through new planting.

Construction traffic

Construction vehicles will need to use local roads to access the works area within Koonung Creek Reserve. This will be carefully managed to ensure trucks move safely through the area.

Fast facts

• around 202m of new pipes. 124m of this length will be bored under the Eastern Freeway
• up to 1.4m in diameter
• around 4m under the Eastern Freeway

Construction timeline

Late 2020

• site compounds prepared
• micro TBM launch and retrieval points excavated

Late 2020 to early 2021

• micro TBM tunnels under the freeway installing the new water mains

Early 2021 to mid-2021

• new water mains connected to existing network
• work sites reinstated

Please note these dates are subject to change.

Managing impacts

As part of planning these works, we’re looking at how to best minimise impacts on residents, motorists and Koonung Creek Reserve.

While most impacts can be managed well through careful planning, as with all major construction projects, there will be some disruptions. We understand these can be difficult and appreciate your patience while we deliver these important works.

When North East Link is complete:

• trips from the eastern suburbs to Melbourne airport will be up to 35 minutes faster
• a peak-hour trip on the Eastern Freeway will be up to 11 minutes faster – with travel speeds of up to 85km an hour (compared to 45km an hour without upgrades)
• a new park and ride at Bulleen and an upgraded park and ride at Doncaster will give people better access to faster, more regular and more reliable public transport services to and from the CBD on Melbourne’s first dedicated busway
• new walking and cycling paths will connect Koonung Creek Trail to Yarra River parklands and the inner-city cycle network
• a tough noise standard of 63 decibels during the day and 58 decibels at night will be in place for residential areas.

Safety

The health and safety of our workers is our key priority as we continue to deliver the North East Link Program, as is supporting physical distancing measures in line with current health advice. We have strict protocols in place to protect the safety of our construction workforce, including enhanced industrial cleaning arrangements, provision of personal protective equipment and measures to reduce staff contact, including staggered shifts.

FAQs

Will the works be noisy?

Using micro TBMs to build the new water mains under the Eastern Freeway will help to avoid a significant amount of noise for residents. However, we expect there will still be some noise around above ground work sites. Noise will be carefully modelled and managed under the Projects strict Environmental Performance Requirements.

Will my water service be disconnected during the works?

Once the new water mains are built, there may be some temporary disruptions as builders connect the water mains to the existing network. Any disruptions will be short and communicated well in advance.

How do I speak to someone about the works?

You can get in touch with our project team by phone and email.

• Phone: 1800 105 105 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Email: NorthEastLinkEarlyWorks@cpbcon.com.au
• You can also post questions online at Engage Victoria.