We’re getting ready to build the new Grimshaw Street Interchange in Watsonia, with express lanes to the North East Link tunnels and less congestion for locals.

The new, wider interchange delivers new lanes and more green light time for local trips, while North East Link traffic passes below. Drivers using North East Link will travel on new express lanes, cutting travel times, skipping traffic lights and keeping local roads for local trips.

The new Grimshaw Street Interchange will feature a bus priority lane in each direction on Grimshaw Street, creating more efficient and reliable public transport journeys.

Two new walking and cycling underpasses at Grimshaw Street will deliver better-connected and safer north-south trips. Another new walking and cycling underpass at Kempston Street will improve east- west connectivity and provide more options for accessing the Watsonia Road precinct.

Works in the area will increase significantly from mid-2025 as we get ready to build the new and improved interchange.

How we're building the new Grimshaw Street Interchange

We'll build the new interchange in stages to minimise disruption and keep traffic moving.

Stage 1: Relocate utility services

Before major works commence, we’ll relocate underground utility services. You'll see us excavating water, power, gas and telecommunications services, moving them away from Grimshaw Street and construction areas. To do this, we’ll excavate along the new services routes before installing the new pipes and conduits. The new connections are then tested and connected with the surrounding network.

We're coordinating with utility service providers to minimise planned service interruptions. However, these may be required at times with advance notice provided to affected properties.

Stage 2: Combined road and rail blitz

We’re widening the Grimshaw Street and Greensborough Bypass intersection to make space for the express lanes to the North East Link tunnels. To build the new, wider interchange we need to rebuild the road bridge over the Hurstbridge line. For the safety of our workers, and to access critical works areas, we’ll complete these works while buses replace trains on sections of the Hurstbridge line.

In October 2025, we'll work on both the rail line and the road above at the same time, in a major construction blitz. We'll build the eastern foundations for the Grimshaw Street road bridge, a new walking and cycling underpass and new gantries over the road.

To complete this stage and future stages, we’ll change how the road looks and operates, and you'll see adjusted kerbs, traffic lights, and road markings.

Stage 3: Build the road bridge foundations

Across November and December 2025, we’ll build the western foundations for the new Grimshaw Street road bridge.

We’ll also build the new walking and cycling underpass between AK Lines and Trist Street reserves. The new underpass will create safer journeys for pedestrians and cyclists by directing them under Grimshaw Street, separated from cars, trucks and motorcycles.

We’ll excavate the area and install pre-cast concrete culverts and retaining walls, before rebuilding the road on top.

Stage 4: Build the new, wider road bridge and express lanes

You've seen us building the entry and exit ramps for the new interchange on Greensborough Bypass, between Kempston Street and Watsonia Road.

In 2026, we’ll move traffic onto these ramps so we can build the new, wider Grimshaw Street bridge and the Kempston Street underpass. We’ll then excavate under the new bridge to build the express lanes to North East Link.

Stage 5: Finishing works on Grimshaw Street

In 2028, the new express lanes under Grimshaw Street will be open to traffic.

You'll see us completing finishing works on Grimshaw Street, including landscaping, median islands and installing a traffic management system for the interchange.

For languages other than English please call 03 9209 0147.

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