30 September 2026

We’re upgrading the Eastern Freeway with a new Eastern Busway, smart technology, new walking and cycling paths, and a connection to North East Link – slashing travel times and improving travel in Melbourne’s east.

Since early May 2026, you may have noticed large concrete pillars in the middle of the freeway and at the Chandler Highway Ringwood-bound exit ramp. These foundations will support construction of the Eastern Busway bridge that will take city-bound buses towards the Hoddle Street exit.

Since June we've also been concreting a retaining wall at the base of the busway bridge. From September you'll start to see this structure take shape as exterior panels are added and the wall reaches a height of up to 7m.

When complete in 2028, the Eastern Busway will provide dedicated bus lanes, separated from traffic, along the Eastern Freeway from Doncaster Road to Hoddle Street, cutting travel times for 6 million passengers that use the freeway buses each year.

Busway key facts

  • 11km of dedicated, express bus lanes along the Eastern Freeway from Doncaster Road to Hoddle Street
  • Up to 100km/h travel speeds
  • Up to 30% faster travel times
  • 6 million bus trips a year
  • Opening in 2028

Construction timeline

2026

  • Build foundations for the busway bridge over the Eastern Freeway
  • Dig out and shape the ground for new ramps
  • Install concrete panels for the retaining wall
  • Build support posts to hold up the bridge and ramps

2027

  • Eastern Busway and new Chandler Highway exit ramp major construction

2028

  • Eastern Busway and new Chandler Highway exit ramp operational
  • Project completed

contact@bigbuild.vic.gov.au

1800 105 105 (call anytime). For languages other than English please call 9209 0147.

If you need assistance due to a hearing or speech impairment, please visit relayservice.gov.au

Download

Building the Eastern Busway at the Chandler Highway interchange (PDF 949.9 KB)