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

We’re relocating underground power services to provide space to build new freeway lanes and the new Eram Road walking and cycling bridge.

From 10pm, Wednesday 7 January to 5am, Monday 12 January 2026, we'll close the Eastern Freeway in both directions between Doncaster and Middleborough roads to install underground power services by building a trench across the freeway.

During this time, the existing Doncaster Road bridge will be demolished to allow construction of the new bridge on the Ringwood-side of the Doncaster Road interchange. Works to relocate underground power services include:

• moving safety barriers and establishing a safe working area
• cutting through the road surface
• building a trench through the freeway
• installing underground power lines
• reinstating the road surface
• installing traffic barriers and line marking.

Where and when

24-hour works: From 10pm, Wednesday 7 January to 5am, Monday 12 January, we'll work 24/7 on the freeway east of the Eram Road walking and cycling bridge.

What to expect

• moderate to high levels of noise and vibration during 24-hour works
• freeway closure between Doncaster and Middleborough roads with detours in place
• delays of up to 90 minutes on the freeway during peak times
• closures of bus stops on Middleborough and Blackburn roads, with detours in place for bus route 318 and 906 – see bus stop signage for more details
• large numbers of construction vehicles, heavy machinery, equipment, and workers in the area
• use of directional lighting when working at night.

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:

• monitoring noise and vibration levels with real time monitoring
• minimising light spill with targeted lighting
• preventing dust and water runoff with environmental controls.

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.

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.