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 building a new bridge between Heyington Avenue in Doncaster and the wetlands in Mont Albert North, to create safer walking and cycling connections across the Eastern Freeway. The new bridge will be straightener and widened to around 4 metres, featuring improved pavements and landscaping and will be open to the community in late 2025.

To safely install the new bridge, we will demolish the old bridge and install the new bridge, that is currently being assembled on site, over the weekend of Friday 5 September to Monday 8 September. This willrequire a full freeway closure between Doncaster and Tram roads, with detours up to 90 minutes in place via major roads. We encourage you to avoid the area during the weekend closure if you can, seek alternative routes and allow extra time when planning your journey.

We'll make the most of the freeway closure to complete additional work along the freeway between Doncaster and Tram roads. From 10pm Friday 5 September to 5am Monday 8 September, we'll:

• Demolish the existing bridge at Heyington Avenue
• Install the new bridge at Heyington Avenue
• Install new services near Doncaster Road bridge and Elgar Road ramps
• Install drainage and trench across the freeway near Elgar Road and under the Doncaster Road bridge
• Install new safety barriers in sections between Doncaster and Tram roads
• Install new smart on-road technology under the Doncaster Road bridge
• Complete asphalting and realign barriers on the Thompsons Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp
• Install new road pavement on the freeway between Elgar and Tram roads
• Complete earthworks on the freeway next to the ramp shoulders at Doncaster Road
• Relocate utilities behind Jocelyn Avenue in Balwyn North.

When are we working

24 hour works

From 10pm Friday 5 September to 5am Monday 8 September, we'll work 24/7 on the freeway between Doncaster and Tram roads. Please note that these dates and times are subject to change.

What to expect

• There will be a full closure of the Eastern Freeway in both directions between Doncaster and Tram roads, with detours in place.
• Significant delays of up to 90 minutes are expected, please follow on-road signage and avoid the area where possible.
• Changed traffic conditions on Doncaster Road, with a no right turn from Doncaster Road into Elgar Road or Tram Road during the weekend closure. Please follow on-road signage.
• Construction vehicles, machinery, additional lighting, equipment and workers in the area
• Medium levels of noise, dust and vibration from machinery and equipment

The following freeway ramps will be closed during the full freeway closure to help ease traffic congestion:

• Chandler Highway: Ringwood-bound entry ramp
• Bulleen Road: Ringwood-bound entry ramp
• Elgar Road: Citybound entry ramp
• Middleborough Road: Citybound entry ramp
• Blackburn Road: Citybound entry ramp
• Springvale Road: Citybound entry ramp
• Due to these ramp closures, Blackburn Road and Middleborough Road city-bound entry ramp bus stops will be closed.

Keeping in touch

We’ll be out talking to nearby residents and businesses about these works in more detail, including 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 the disruptions map for changes. Please contact us if you would like this information in an accessible format. If you need assistance due to a hearing or speech impairment, visit relayservice.gov.au.