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.

We’ve recently finished building a retaining wall along Estelle Street. Next, we’ll install on-road traffic technology, install drainage and resurface sections of Estelle Street.

In 2027, we’ll install the new noise walls, reinstate the Koonung Creek Trail and complete finishing works including landscaping.

There will be ongoing lane closures, shared path detours and night works at times as we complete works on Estelle Street. We'll be in touch with impacted residents regarding specific times for construction activities and to offer support.

What we're doing

From mid October to late December, we’ll close the westbound lane on Estelle Street between Kenneth Street and Balwyn Road to set-up a temporary work area. We’ll work in stages day and night and works will include:

• removing sections of timber fencing, and setting up temporary fencing and barriers on the street
• earthworks and removing excavated material from site
• saw cutting and trenching across sections of the street with an excavator
• installing drainage and electrical cables
• asphalting and kerb construction on sections of Estelle Street

To complete these works safely, Estelle Street will become one way, and vehicles will only be able to travel in an eastbound direction towards Kenneth Street. We’ll have traffic management and detours in place to guide you through the area and driveway access will be maintained at all times. See map overleaf for details.

While we set-up the one way arrangement, you can expect short-term traffic holds when we’re working.

When we're working

Day works: 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm Saturdays.

Night works: 6pm to 7am Monday to Friday. We’ll let you know ahead of time when this will occur.

24/7 works: We’ll let you know ahead of time when this will occur.

Current traffic set-up in place until mid November while watermain works are underway.

Traffic set up from mid November to mid December after water main works are complete.

What to expect

During these works, you'll also notice:

• minor delays due to lane closure and detours in place
• removal of on-street parking on Estelle Street
• driveway access for properties 5 to 43 Estelle Street will be a left-in, left-out arrangement
• driveway access for properties 45 to 51 Estelle Street will be a left-in, right-out arrangement
• left turns only onto Estelle Street from Colite and Sefton streets
• shared path detours in place on Estelle Street
• use of directional lighting when working at night
• increase of construction vehicles, machinery, equipment and workers in Estelle Street at times
• medium to high levels of noise, dust and vibration from machinery and equipment.

Managing impacts

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

• monitoring noise, dust and vibrations levels with real time monitoring technology, when required
• traffic management and warning signage to help guide you through Estelle Street
• completing noisier works during the day and earlier in the night, when possible
• maintaining access to your property at all times
• preventing dust and water runoff using street sweepers and watercarts
• diversions for pedestrians and cyclists around our work areas
• directing lights away from properties to reduce light spill.

The project team will relocate waste bins to a collection point on Sefton Street for 45-51 Estelle Street and 2A to 6 Sefton Street. We will speak with you directly if your property is impacted.

Schedule is subject to change. Visit Disruptions for schedule changes.

Keeping in touch

We’ll be out talking to nearby residents about these works in more detail, including changes to traffic conditions, driveway access and how we'll be managing any local impacts.

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

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