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

From 10pm, Friday 17 April to 5am, Monday 20 April, we’ll close the Eastern Freeway in both directions between Bulleen Road and Tram Road, to carry out asphalting for the new freeway lanes.

Additional freeway closures will take place between May and June to complete the final layers of asphalt and we’ll notify you ahead of time.

Delays of up to 60 minutes are expected during peak travel times. We encourage motorists to plan ahead during these closures, seek alternative routes and allow extra time.

24/7 works

During these closures we’ll:

• remove existing road surface, lay new asphalt, apply line marking and complete traffic signal works
• build noise and retaining walls between Doncaster Road and Elgar Road
• remove and install new safety barriers
• excavate and place material to build temporary machinery platforms
• install new on-road technology
• install drainage and complete watermain works
• demolish the remaining bridge support on southern side of the Eastern Freeway at Doncaster Road
• complete concrete works and pours for the new and upgraded bridges at Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road
• demolish concrete traffic islands and place new asphalt on Thompsons Road
• place new concrete, build new kerbs, install traffic barriers and carry out earthworks near Thompsons Road
• deliver and install concrete beams as part of Bulleen Road bridge widening works
• steel cutting and removal of metal sheets between the Eastern Freeway and the Bulleen Road citybound exit ramp
• complete finishing works on Heyington bridge.

What to expect

Eastern Freeway closure in both directions – from Friday 17 April to Monday 20 April 2026

During this weekend closure on the Eastern Freeway in both directions between Bulleen and Tram roads, there will be:

• delays of up to 60 minutes
• citybound and Ringwood-bound entry ramp closures and bans for some right turn movements on detour routes to help spread traffic and ease congestion
• no parking or stopping allowed on Doncaster Road citybound between Longview and Burke roads
• detour via Tram, Williamsons, Manningham and Thompsons roads
• closure of Heyington Bridge from 8pm, Friday 17 to 5am, Monday 20 April. Detours in place for pedestrians and cyclists during this closure
• changes to bus services: - Bus route 906 will not service the bus stops on Blackburn Road south of Doncaster Road or on the citybound freeway ramps at Blackburn Road and Wetherby Road. Buses will be detoured during the closure. - Bus routes 907 and 908 will not service the bus stop on the Doncaster Road citybound entry ramp and will be detoured during the closure.
• Changed traffic and pedestrian conditions on Thompsons Road, including a pedestrian detour
• directional lighting used while working at night
• medium to high levels of noise and vibration from machinery and equipment.

Managing impacts

During these works we’ll manage impacts by:

• monitoring noise, dust and vibration levels during works, when required
• directing lighting away from residential properties
• completing noisier works earlier in the night, where possible
• signage, traffic controllers and detours in place to guide motorists around the area during the closure.

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.

Schedule is subject to change. Visit our disruptions map for schedule changes. For more information call 1800 105 105 or visit the Hub at 284 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North 3104.