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 October 2024, we'll begin setting up work areas between Doncaster and Elgar roads in Balwyn North and Doncaster. We'll create space to build the new freeway lanes, upgrade noise walls, redirect the Koonung Creek and build a new walking and cycling bridge over the freeway at Heyington Avenue.

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 see map overleaf. As works progress, there will be further changes to the Koonung Creek Trail with diversions in place.

To set up work areas, we'll:

• locate underground utilities and services along and near the Koonung Creek Trail
• install temporary fencing and construction fencing to secure work areas and reduce noise and visual impacts
• demolish existing noise walls on the Eastern Freeway
• install line marking on Winfield Road to divert cyclists
• trim and remove vegetation and trees
• building access tracks and hardstands
• safely relocate animals found during tree removal works under the supervision of a project ecologist.

Once we’ve set up the work area, we'll

• temporarily divert the Koonung Creek around work areas
• excavate the existing creek
• install concrete channel structures to redirect the creek under the new freeway lanes
• build a retaining wall and upgraded noise wall

We'll provide updates as works progress.

Where and when

We'll be working on the city bound lane between Elgar Road and Doncaster Road from October 2024.

To safely remove the existing noise wall, we need to work from the freeway side. To do this, we'll close lanes on the Eastern Freeway between Elgar Road and Doncaster Road citybound at night, with reduced speed limits in place. Please check on road signage for any changes to the way you travel.

Some extended hours work may be required. If we’re working at night near homes, we’ll let nearby residents know beforehand and work closely with impacted residents.

What to expect

During these works you'll notice:

• traffic controllers and signage to guide cyclists and pedestrians around our works
• short term parking restrictions and lane closures on local streets to apply line marking
• closure of Koonung Creek Trail east of Doncaster Road with diversions in place, with longer travel times for cyclists
• a visual change due to tree removal, noise wall removal and installation of timber fencing
• construction vehicles, machinery, equipment and workers in the area
• some construction vehicle movements via local streets
• medium to high levels of noise and vibration from machinery and equipment including chainsaws, mulchers and excavators
• overnight lane and ramp closures and traffic management on the freeway during noise walls removals
• use of directional lighting when working at night.

Managing impacts

We carefully manage our works in line with the project's strict environmental performance requirements including:

• working during the day, where possible
• installing temporary noise walls to reduce noise and visual impacts for residents, where possible
• scheduling noisier works early in the evening, where possible
• monitoring noise and vibration levels with real time monitoring, when required
• minimising light spill with targeted lighting
• preventing dust and water runoff with environmental controls
• working behind barriers to keep our workers and road users safe.

Keeping in touch

If you have any questions, please contact the 24/7 Contact Centre on 1800 105 105. Our community engagement team will be speaking to local residents about these works in more detail.

Schedule is subject to change. Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/works for schedule changes. For more information call 1800 105 105 or visit the Project Information Centre at 284 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North.

For languages other than English please call 9209 0147.