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.

Works are progressing to relocate the Koonung Creek Main Sewer along Estelle Street, with underground tunnelling now complete. From mid January, we’ll start building a retaining wall as well as 2 maintenance access points on Estelle Street which will allow Yarra Valley Water to maintain the sewer. We'll also install pipes under Estelle Street to connect nearby properties to the new sewer and install new drainage.

To do these works safely, we'll close sections of Estelle Street, to ensure vehicles can move safely around our works. We'll maintain access to your property at all times.

Throughout 2026, there will be ongoing impacts to Estelle Street near the roundabout and the new bridge as we complete sewer works, build a retaining wall and relocate a watermain. We'll provide more detail on these activities and expected impacts as works progress.

What we're doing

From 19 January for up to 2 weeks, we’ll undertake earthworks, vibratory rolling and install large metal sheets in the ground as part of building the retaining wall.

From 28 January to mid May, we'll close sections of Estelle Street between Balwyn Road and the roundabout. We'll set-up two temporary work areas and traffic management on the street so we can:

• remove and relocate sections of the timber fencing
• install fencing and concrete barriers around the work areas
• saw cut the road
• use an excavator to dig two deep shafts for the sewer maintenance access points
• carry out concrete works to install the new sewer maintenance access points
• use an excavator to trench along the street to install new sewer pipes and drainage pipes.

When we're working

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

No works are proposed to be done at night. If this changes, we'll speak to residents about planned night works ahead of time.

These sewer relocation works will be completed in two stages.

What to expect

During these works, you'll also notice:

• minor traffic delays due to detours in place
• removal of on-street parking on Estelle Street near the work areas
• temporary waste bin collection points
• a slight diversion for pedestrians and cyclists around our work areas
• visual changes from installation of barriers
• construction vehicles, machinery, equipment and workers in the area
• medium 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, including:

• accessing our worksite via the freeway where possible to reduce construction vehicle movement in Estelle Street
• monitoring noise, dust and vibrations levels with real time monitoring technology, when required
• traffic controllers and signage to help guide you through Estelle Street
• preventing dust and water runoff using street sweepers and water carts.

The project team will relocate waste bins to a collection point on either Colite Street or Sefton Street for properties along Estelle Street from numbers 5 to 49. We will speak with you directly if your property is affected by waste bin relocation.

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. 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.