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

What we're doing

From late December 2025, we'll start to close sections of the Koonung Creek Linear Park to build safe construction zones for underground and overhead utility relocations and future works to divert Koonung Creek.
To create space for these works, we'll divert sections of the Koonung Creek Trail around our work areas.
To prepare the area, we'll:

• install temporary fencing to secure works areas
• install temporary noise walls
• build shared path diversions in stages, including a temporary pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the creek
• trim and remove selected trees and vegetation
• building temporary creek crossings for construction vehicles within work areas
• relocate utility services, including underground sewer and existing overhead power lines
• build hardstand areas to support heavy machinery
• mobilise piling rigs to start building sewer shafts.

Where and when

We'll mostly work during the day, however some activities may be required at night, including on the freeway. We'll inform residents about planned night works ahead of time.

What to expect

• Construction vehicles, machinery, equipment and workers in the area
• Medium to high levels of noise, dust and vibration from machinery at times
• Use of directional lighting when working at night
• Visual changes due to tree removal and closures of open space area
• Temporary closures of residential back gate access into construction areas
• Traffic controllers and signage to guide cyclists and pedestrians around our works

To stay safe, please follow all instructions on signage and follow the direction of traffic controllers. We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout these works.

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 fencing and barriers to create safe work areas
• scheduling noisier works early in the evening, where possible
• monitoring noise and vibration levels with real time monitoring
• minimising light spill with targeted lighting
• preventing dust and water runoff with environmental barriers
• using water carts and street sweepers to manage dirt on local roads where required

Keeping in touch

We’ll be out talking to nearby residents and businesses about these works in more detail, including how we’ll manage 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 Disruptions for schedule changes.

If you need assistance due to a hearing or speech impairment, visit relayservice.gov.au.  For languages other than English please call 9209 0147.

For more information call 1800 105 105 or email contact@bigbuild.vic.gov.au.