We're upgrading the Eastern Freeway with new express lanes, new traffic management technology, Melbourne's first express busway and a seamless connection to North East Link.

From October we’ll start setting up our work area south of the freeway between Doncaster Road and Valda Wetlands. We'll create space to build the new freeway lanes, upgrade noise walls and divert the Koonung Creek.

What to expect

To make way for new lanes on the freeway, we need to remove existing noise walls. Where possible, we’ll install temporary noise walls to reduce noise and visual impacts for residents.

To safely remove the existing noise wall, we'll work from the freeway side at night, closing lanes on the Eastern Freeway between Elgar and Doncaster roads, with reduced speed limits in place. We'll be working close to properties behind Jocelyn Avenue until early 2026.

Work in this area will include excavation, piling and earthworks and are anticipated to generate high levels of noise and vibration from equipment and machinery.

We'll work closely with impacted residents to provide additional information on works, timing and how we propose to manage the expected disruptions.

Koonung Creek Trail closures

To complete our works safely, we'll close the Koonung Creek Trail in some sections from October 2024. We'll have on-street diversions for pedestrians and cyclists, please follow on road signage and detours.

Diverting the Koonung Creek under the Eastern Freeway

We're building a small channel to move the Koonung Creek under the new freeway lanes. This helps make space for additional traffic lanes, upgraded noise walls, and an upgraded Koonung Creek Trail.

From late 2024, we’ll start construction of a channel between Sweyn Street in Balwyn North and the Valda Wetlands in Mont Albert North. This includes removing vegetation and temporarily diverting the Koonung Creek around work areas. We'll excavate the existing creek bed and install concrete channel structures. The channel will then be back filled to raise the surface to road level. This will allow the new freeway lanes to be built on top with the creek running underneath.

We'll also upgrade an existing channel structure that runs beneath the Eastern Freeway. This will ensure the creek is protected before building new freeway lanes. We'll be working behind properties on Andrew Court and works will include removing vegetation, earthworks and piling to make room for the installation of a precast concrete arch channel structure.

New noise walls will provide noise protection for nearby residents

In late 2025 we’ll start piling works and building the retaining walls for the upgraded noise walls which have been designed to protect privacy, reduce traffic noise and allow for natural light.

The new and upgraded noise walls will meet a stringent daytime noise standard of 63 decibels. This is in line with the highest level of traffic noise protection in Victoria.

Upgraded Koonung Creek Trail walking and cycling path

Once construction is complete the Koonung Creek Trail will be landscaped with new trees and vegetation in line with an approved Urban Design and Landscape plan.

Keeping you up to date

There are many ways you can keep in touch and learn more about works in your area.

Speak to our team: Our community engagement team will be speaking to local residents about these works and how we can support you during construction. Visit us at our Project Information Centre, 284 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North.

Contact us: You can also contact us on 1800 105 105 to speak to a member of the
project team or to make an appointment to see us.

Sign up for updates: If you would like to receive SMS or email updates, visit:

SMS or email updates.