As part of North East Link, we're upgrading the Eastern Freeway with new express lanes, new traffic management technology and Melbourne's first dedicated busway.

Up, up and away on the Bulleen Road interchange

The new interchange at Bulleen is continuing to take shape, with three successful mega lifts now completed as crews continue to build the elevated ramps that will connect the upgraded Eastern Freeway to the North East Link tunnels.

Over three weekends, more than 2,500 tonnes of bridge structures were safely lifted into place above the freeway.

Years in the making, these complex operations required careful planning, innovative engineering and precise execution, marking an Australian first and a huge achievement in infrastructure delivery.

With the major lifts now completed, crews will continue installing the remaining road connections in readiness for the opening of North East Link in 2028.

Elevating travel in the east

We're building the Eastern Busway bridge and elevated freeway ramps at Chandler Highway and Middleborough Road.

As you drive along the freeway, you may have noticed large concrete pillars coming out of the ground. These structures will form the foundation for new elevated ramps and Melbourne's first dedicated busway.

Works will continue into 2027 to build more pillars and retaining walls, before concrete beams are installed to form the elevated ramps.

Once complete, the elevated ramps will create better connections to the interchanges at Chandler Highway and Middleborough Road. The busway bridge will take citybound buses from the north side of the freeway onto dedicated bus lanes towards Hoddle Street.

Levelling up in Doncaster

Works are progressing at the upgraded Doncaster Park & Ride, with the new multi- level car park and three new bus platforms continuing to take shape out of the ground.

Once complete, the upgraded park and ride will connect directly to 11 kilometres of dedicated express busway along the Eastern Freeway, providing faster and more reliable journeys between Doncaster, Bulleen and the city. The park and ride will also improve walking and cycling connections to the Koonung Creek Trail, Doncaster Road and surrounding local streets.

Construction of the new busway beneath the Doncaster Road bridge is well underway, with works recently starting on the new passenger facilities building.

Pedestrians and cyclists – get ready!

Works are taking shape to build new walking and cycling bridges over the freeway.

We're continuing works on the new Bulleen Road walking and cycling bridge with bridge beams successfully installed over the freeway in July. In the coming weeks, crews will complete deck works, install handrails and apply line markings before the bridge opens to the public in late 2026.

Crews will soon begin foundation works for a new walking and cycling bridge over the Yarra River in Kew. This structure will connect the Main Yarra Trail at Chandler Highway to the Main Yarra Trail at Merri Creek.

These bridges form part of the improved shared path network being delivered alongside the Eastern Freeway Upgrades.

Keeping you moving while we work

To keep people moving safely through the area, we’ve built a new shared path diversion and temporary bridge over Koonung Creek in Koonung Linear Reserve.

This will maintain community access to open spaces while major works are under way.

We've also installed a temporary extension to the existing Eram Road walking and cycling bridge, allowing it to remain open while work continues to build new lanes below.

A crane with a name

The 90-metre-tall electric crane helping build the upgraded Doncaster Park & Ride now has an official name – Lightning McCrane.

The name was chosen as part of a competition involving four local schools near Doncaster, with more than 200 creative entries submitted by students eager to leave their mark on the project.

After a tough judging process, Johan from Birralee Primary School was crowned the winner.

He received a $500 LEGO gift voucher and a behind-the-scenes visit to the Doncaster Park & Ride construction site, where he got to see Lightning McCrane up close.

As works continue on the upgraded transport hub, Lightning McCrane will keep playing a key role in helping crews deliver this important piece of infrastructure.

For languages other than English please call 03 9209 0147.

Please contact us if you would like this information in an accessible format.

If you need assistance due to a hearing or speech impairment, please visit the National Relay Service.