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.

What we're doing

From 10pm, Friday 27 March to 5am, Monday 30 March, we’ll close the Eastern Freeway in both directions between Bulleen and Doncaster roads. We’ll also close some freeway ramps, to help ease traffic congestions along the detour route.

During this closure, we’ll use two 800 tonne cranes to lift and install a 100‑metre‑long mega structure made up of 12 steel beams weighing 1,080 tonnes into place, the weight of around 17 Melbourne trams or almost 180 African elephants. These beams will form the bases of the elevated ramps that will connect the Eastern Freeway to North East Link tunnels.

While the freeway is closed, we’ll use the opportunity to do additional works, including asphalting, line marking, drainage works, piling, traffic signal works and barrier removal and installation on the freeway.

Due to the size and scale of this lift, weather conditions and other factors may affect our progress. If we are not able to complete our planned works, they may need to be rescheduled to another weekend. We will notify the community of any changes to our works. Stay up to date on upcoming disruptions.

Delays of up to 60 minutes are expected during peak travel times. We encourage motorists to plan ahead during these closures, seek alternative routes and allow extra time.

Where and when

24/7 works The Eastern Freeway between Bulleen and Doncaster roads from10pm, Friday 27 March to 5am, Monday 30 March. During this closure we’ll work to:

• move traffic barriers to set up a safe working area and build crane platforms
• deliver large and assemble steel girders with hand tools and bolts
• lift and install steel beams on top of bridge piers over the freeway
• demolish concrete traffic islands on Thompsons Road
• install underground traffic signal cables at the Thompsons Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp, Koonung Creek Reserve and along the freeway
• place new concrete, build new kerbs and carry out earthworks near Thompsons Road
• continue asphalting, drainage works, line marking and installing barriers along the freeway
• install scaffold as part of works to widen the existing Bulleen Road bridge
• install piles, saw cut and remove asphalt in the centre median near the Columba Street bridge (daytime only)
• carry out work on the new Estelle pedestrian bridge with hand tools
• continue steel fixing and concrete works on the elevated ramps in Koonung Creek Reserve
• remove and realign safety barriers and place new line marking between Elgar and Bulleen roads citybound, moving traffic onto newly aligned freeway lanes
• concrete works, piling, installation of underground cables for lighting poles and removal of concrete retaining walls at the Doncaster Road interchange.

What to expect

• Eastern Freeway closed between Bulleen Road and Doncaster Road in both directions
• Delays of up to 60 minutes during peak times
• Detours via Thompsons, Manningham and Tram roads or via Doncaster and Bulleen roads
• Lane closures on the Eastern Freeway in both directions between Doncaster Road and Elgar Road Freeway ramp closures to help spread traffic and ease congestion, see map below for details
• No parking or stopping on Doncaster Road in both directions between Fortuna Avenue and Burke Road
• Right-turn bans in place at key intersections to help ease traffic congestion along the detour route, including:
  • on Doncaster Road at multiple intersections including Tram and Elgar roads
  • Thompsons and Manningham roads intersection on the citybound and Ringwood-bound approaches
• Severn Street closed northbound between Maud Street and Doncaster Road during this time to improve traffic flow on Doncaster Road
• Bus route 906 will not service the bus stops on Blackburn Road south of Doncaster Road or on the citybound freeway ramps at Blackburn Road and Wetherby Road. Buses will be detoured during the closure
• Bus routes 907 and 908 will not service the bus stop on the Doncaster Road citybound entry ramp and will be detoured during the closure
• Signage in place at any closed bus stops advising of alternatives stops
• Changed traffic and pedestrian conditions on Thompsons Road, including a pedestrian detour
• Directional lighting used while working at night
• Medium to high levels of noise and vibration from machinery and equipment.

Managing impacts

During these works we’ll manage impacts by:

• monitoring noise, dust and vibration levels during works, when required
• directing lighting away from residential properties
• completing noisier works earlier in the night, where possible
• signage, traffic controllers and detours in place to guide motorists around the area during the closure.

Keeping in touch

We’ll be out talking to nearby residents about these works in more detail, including changes to traffic conditions, access restrictions and how we'll be managing any local impacts. If you have any questions now, please contact the 24/7 Contact Centre on 1800 105 105.

Schedule is subject to change. Visit our disruptions map for schedule changes. For more information call 1800 105 105 or visit the Hub at 284 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North 3104.