21 July 2026
As part of the Eastern Freeway Upgrade, we’re building new noise walls and upgrading some existing walls at Belle Vue Primary School.
Each section of noise wall has been carefully designed to complement the local area and meet the highest level of traffic noise protection in Victoria. Space is included for planting to provide natural screening over time.
New overlapping three and eight metre tall noise walls will replace some of the existing timber fencing along the oval to create a quieter, more secure space for students, parents and the school community.
Before the noise walls go up, we’ll prepare the area with some earthworks, build retaining walls and ensure all utilities are out of the way.
We expect to complete the noise walls near Belle Vue Primary in September 2026 and are working with the school regarding further works to reinstate the school oval with planting and open space improvements.
Colours and design inspired by nature
In response to community feedback, the new noise walls around Belle Vue Primary School use colours and designs that reflect the character of the local area.
Integrating with the environment
The new noise walls will feature weathered steel and recycled plastic panels, with lightly tinted green acrylic panels on top to allow natural light and views to filter through.
These weathered steel and recycled plastic walls reference seasonal movement towards the Bolin Bolin Billabong, camping along waterways and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Mia Mia (shelters) built from large bark slabs arranged in triangular patterns.
Colours have been drawn from the local environment using a natural palette of earthy soil and rock.
Noise wall heights carefully considered
The wall heights have been determined through noise modelling and Environmental Performance Requirements.
Independently verified in line with the project's strict Environmental Performance Requirements, the height of noise walls consider future traffic volumes and speeds, road gradient and surface, and the height and location of nearby buildings.
The new noise wall which will curve along part of the school oval, will be three to four metres high, replacing the existing 2.5-metre timber fence.
The next section that stretches towards Koonung Creek Reserve will be between six to nine metres high and will be constructed with recycled plastic with acrylic panels on top.
Refining noise wall designs
Noise walls have been designed to avoid or minimise overshadowing and overlooking to homes, parklands, waterways and paths as much as possible, while still meeting our stringent noise targets.
The approved Urban Design and Landscape Plans (UDLP) for the Eastern Freeway Upgrades – Burke Road to Tram Road and the North East Link Tunnels included nominal noise wall heights based on early reference designs for the North East Link Project.
Further noise modelling and design development confirmed a noise wall along Bulleen Road was not required to meet the project’s noise protection standards.
We’re committed to exploring opportunities to minimise construction disruption to the school while retaining trees and visibility of the school from Bulleen Road.
Managing graffiti
To help prevent graffiti we use anti-graffiti coatings on solid walls and acrylic areas where possible and provide natural screening through landscaping.
The recycled plastic noise walls are very durable, not porous and are able to be cleaned easily with high pressure water.
Offensive graffiti is a high priority for removal. If you see offensive graffiti, you can report it to the project team at contact@bigbuild.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105.
contact@bigbuild.vic.gov.au
1800 105 105 (call anytime)
Schedule is subject to change. Visit Disruptions for changes.
If you need assistance due to a hearing or speech impairment, please visit relayservice.gov.au