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

We're creating space to build new freeway lanes and to upgrade noise walls along the Eastern Freeway.

From Friday 5 December, we’ll begin setting up our worksite within the reserve along Columba Street, between Orion Street and Leonis Avenue, Balwyn North.

Works will include:

• installing temporary fencing and construction fencing to secure the work areas and reduce noise and visual impacts
• trimming and removing vegetation and trees within our work area under the supervision of a qualified ecologist and arborist
• earthworks to level out the worksite, including building access tracks and concrete platforms for machinery, within Columba Reserve
• demolishing existing noise walls and fencing along the Eastern Freeway to make room for the new upgraded noise walls to be installed in early 2026.

Where and when

Day works: From 5 December 2025 through to March 2026, between 6am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm Saturdays and Sundays

To complete works safely, night works may be required when we remove fencing and noise walls close to the freeway. We'll speak to nearby residents beforehand.

What to expect

• Traffic management to safely guide traffic around our work area during fencing and noise wall installation
• Removal of identified trees, vegetation, fencing and existing noise walls within our worksite
• Visual changes in the area due to vegetation removal, temporary fencing and noise wall works
• Increased presence of construction vehicles, machinery, equipment and workers
• Site access and deliveries via Columba Street and Freeway Golf Course Access Road
• Medium to high levels of noise, dust and vibration associated with construction activities

Managing impacts

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

• installing temporary fencing in sections of Columba Street Reserve
• monitoring noise, dust and vibration levels with real-time electronic monitoring, ensuring compliance with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria guidelines
• preventing dust and water runoff using street sweepers and water carts.

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.

Map of work area

Schedule is subject to change. Visit our work notices page for schedule changes. For more information call 1800 105 105 or visit the Hub at 17 Watsonia Road, Watsonia.