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.

As part of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades, new and upgraded noise walls will be built to a tough new noise standard, reducing traffic noise for residents. Designs for the new noise walls will be finalised in early 2025 and we'll be out talking to residents with the final designs ahead of these being built.

What we're doing

From February 2025, we'll set up a worksite in Sargent Street to get the area ready to build the new noise walls later this year. To complete these works safely and to maintain access for drivers, we'll temporarily widen a section of Sargent Street.

Works will include:

• Installing temporary drainage
• Relocating and protecting utilities and services
• Installing a new electrical distribution board on the corner of Sargent Street and Elgar Road at night
• Removing four trees on the corner of Elgar Road and Sargent Street at night
• Widening a section of the street to ensure two-way access is maintained during works
• Installing four-metre timber fencing around our worksite
• Building hardstands for the piling rigs and construction vehicle access tracks from the freeway
• Removing the existing noise wall at night
• Commencing bulk earthworks to level out the worksite

Where and when

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

Night works: 7pm to 6am from Monday to Friday

Due to safety and traffic impacts, some activities will be completed at night. We'll speak to residents about planned night works ahead of time.

What to expect

During these works, you'll also notice:

• Minor traffic delays for up to two weeks while we asphalt over temporary drainage and install worksite fencing. Traffic controllers will be there to guide you through the street
• Overnight removal of four trees on the corner of Elgar Road and Sargent Street, while we install a new electrical distribution board and remove the noise wall
• Changes to the existing road conditions with the temporary widening in Sargent Street
• Removal of on-street parking during works. Parking will be retained in the court-bowl, at the western end of the street
• Visual changes from temporary road alignment, tree removal, installation of fencing and noise wall removal
• Construction vehicles, machinery, equipment and workers in the area
• Site access and deliveries via Sargent Street and the freeway
• Medium to high levels of noise, dust and vibration from machinery and equipment.

Managing impacts

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

• Accessing via the freeway where possible to reduce construction vehicle movement in Sargent Street
• Install temporary timber fencing to reduce noise and visual impacts for residents
• Monitoring noise, dust and vibrations levels with real time monitoring technology
• Minimising light spill with targeted directional lighting when working at night
• Preventing dust and water runoff using street sweepers and water carts.

Keeping in touch

We’ll be out talking to nearby residents about these works in more detail, including changes to traffic conditions, access restrictions 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 bigbuild.vic.gov.au/works for schedule changes. For more information call 1800 105 105 or visit the Project Information Centre at 284 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North.

For languages other than English please call 9209 0147.