Construction update

We're completing the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough including a seamless connection to North East Link.

The M80 Ring Road is gearing up for a massive upgrade that includes new lanes and up-to-date technology. From Greensborough to Watsonia, the completed freeway will pass under Grimshaw Street, Elder Street and Watsonia Road – keeping local roads for local trips – and works to support major construction are getting underway.

We’re now establishing site compounds at AK Lines Reserve and Gabonia Avenue Reserve in Watsonia ready to contain worker amenities, materials and equipment storage, and workforce parking.

As part of our planning, site investigation works are continuing in the northern car park at Watsonia Station to safeguard a gas pipeline ahead of nearby construction. The car park at Watsonia Station will then move to a new location on the other side of Greensborough Highway when the new offset car park that we’re building in Frensham Reserve, Watsonia is ready for commuters.

Our crews are also gearing up to start construction at locations along the M80 Ring Road and Greensborough Highway, including initial works to realign Greensborough Highway near Watsonia Road from next year. Read on to find out more about upcoming works in your area to complete the M80 Ring Road.

Help shape designs for your local area

An Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for the upgraded M80 Ring Road is now available.

The UDLP has detailed maps and drawings that show the project design along with an explanation of how it meets the strict requirements in place for North East Link.

To view the UDLP and have your say on local elements, visit engage.vic.gov.au/north-east-link or speak with our team at Watsonia Hub.

The UDLP will be on public exhibition from Monday 9 to Sunday 29 October 2023.

Upcoming works in Watsonia, Watsonia North and Greensborough

1. Establishing site compounds at AK Lines Reserve and Gabonia Avenue Reserve

We’re setting up site compounds at AK Lines Reserve and Gabonia Avenue Reserve in Watsonia to contain worker amenities, materials and equipment storage, and workforce parking needed to support major construction. These sites will be securely fenced for everyone’s safety and access will be through designated points to minimise construction traffic using local roads.

Both reserves will be returned to current conditions and reopened when the project is completed. To ensure local clubs that use these reserves can continue to thrive during construction, we’ve upgraded facilities at Binnak Park and Greensborough College as part of a $68M sports and recreation program.

2. Site investigations in Watsonia Station car park and local areas

We’re continuing with site investigation to finalise our planning and design work for the upgraded M80 Ring Road.

At Watsonia Station, we’ll be working day and night in the northern car park to safeguard a gas pipeline ahead of major construction starting nearby.

To provide a safe working area away from people and parked cars, about 60 car spaces will be closed and there will be temporary speed reductions, lane closures, and pedestrian detours in place.

You may also notice our crews in the area working on local roads, footpaths and grassed areas to identify utility services, take ground samples, survey trees and vegetation, sample groundwater, and assess bridges and other structures.

3. Building the Watsonia Station offset carpark

We’re building a new temporary car park in Frensham Reserve, Watsonia to offset the existing car park at Watsonia Station that will be closing in early 2024 as part of works to complete the M80 Ring Road.

To ensure commuter parking remains available close to Watsonia Station, more than 500 spaces will be available with a shared path providing easy access.

Accessible parking spaces and the bus stop will remain within the existing Watsonia Station car park near the station entrance.

While we’re building the car park, parts of Frensham Reserve and Gabonia Avenue Reserve will be closed but the existing car park at Watsonia Station will remain open.

4. Preparing to realign Greensborough Highway and establishing work sites

We’re establishing work sites at locations along the M80 Ring Road, Greensborough Bypass and Greensborough Highway.

Our crews are busy installing traffic barriers to provide safe working areas to clear topsoil, remove vegetation and realign roads and paths.

Temporary speed reductions and lane closures will be in place at various times for everyone’s safety. We’ll be doing these works and more as we prepare to realign Greensborough Highway between Nell Street and Watsonia Road from next year to build new land bridges over North East Link at Elder Street and Watsonia Road.

We’ll keep traffic moving during these works and will maintain access to local streets and Watsonia Shops.

Map of work areas

Download the construction update PDF, 4.2 MB to view a map of the work areas

When we'll be working

We’ll carry out most of our works during the day, although some extended hours and night works will be required, particularly when working near live traffic. We'll notify you before work starts nearby with more information but typically we'll be working during the following hours.

• Day Monday to Friday 7am-6pm
• Night Sunday to Friday 7pm-6am
• Saturdays 7am to 1pm.

Managing construction well

We're planning our work to minimise disruption as much as possible for everyone living, working and moving through the area.

Real time monitoring will help ensure typical work site disruptions such as noise, light, dust and vibrations are properly managed, and we’re adopting construction methods and environmental controls to meet the strict requirements in place for North East Link.

We’re committed to preventing parking pressures on local streets by building car parks for our workforce within the site compounds and encouraging them to take alternative forms of transport to work.

We’re using traffic controllers and signage when working near roads and paths to safely guide people through the area.

Works on the Hurstbridge train line

The completed M80 Ring Road will be built over the Hurstbridge train line between Grimshaw Street and Elder Street in Watsonia. As we prepare to widen the existing rail tunnel ready to build the freeway on top, crews are working in the rail corridor between Macleod and Greensborough stations to upgrade tracks and install new signalling and electrical equipment.

To safely carry out these works, some activities can only be performed when trains are not running. In October and December 2023, buses replace trains on sections of the Hurstbridge train line at various times.

For further details and to plan your journey please visit ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007.

Property condition surveys

Before work starts nearby, owners of eligible properties will be offered a free property condition survey.

Property condition surveys are commonly carried out as part of essential infrastructure projects on buildings and other structures adjacent to work sites.

The survey report provides you with an independent assessment of your property on the date the survey is undertaken.

Although construction is not expected to have an adverse impact on any property, a condition survey can be undertaken as a precautionary measure.

Keeping as many trees as we can

Minimising the removal of trees and vegetation is a major priority and we’re always looking at ways to reduce the number that needs to be removed.

This includes minimising the area of land needed for construction and putting plans in place to protect trees that can be kept in or near construction areas.

Where tree removal cannot be avoided, we’ll work closely with qualified ecologists and arborists to carefully plan and manage this.

For every tree removed to build North East Link at least two will be planted, helping to grow a greener north and east.

Join our Business Liaison Group

The Business Liaison Group (BLG) provides opportunities for local business owners, traders, and representatives to have their say and share knowledge and expertise to help minimise impacts during construction of North East Link.

This group provides a forum for consultation and information-sharing between the North East Link Program, our construction partners and local businesses.

If you’re interested in joining the BLG, find out more and apply.

Keeping you up to date

Our community engagement team is out speaking with local people about works in the area and how we can provide support during construction. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please call 1800 105 105 or visit us at:

Watsonia Community Hub
17 Watsonia Road, Watsonia
Open 10am to 5pm weekdays

If you require a translator or interpreter, you can phone us on 03 9209 0147.

Contact us through the National Relay Service (extensive list of call options) and request to call our Contact Centre 1800 105 105.

See the Australian Government's Accesshub website for information about accessible services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment.