We’re upgrading the Eastern Freeway with smart technology, a new Eastern Busway, and a connection to North East Link – slashing travel times and improving travel in Melbourne’s east.

What we're doing

We're continuing to upgrade the Eastern Freeway with new traffic management technology to help improve safety and traffic flow along the corridor. The first stage of trenching and underground boring is complete and we’ll now start to install the underground cables.

From July to September 2026, we will continue working within established areas along the freeway to install the underground cable network. These works will move in stages along the freeway between Hoddle Street and Burke Road, with works between Yarra Bend Road and Chandler Highway to take place for up to eight weeks in your area during this time.

Weather may impact our progress.

We'll notify the community of any schedule changes. Once cable installation is complete, fencing will remain in place to create safe work areas for future construction activities.

Works include:

• installing underground cables
• reinstating the ground.

Where and when

• Day works: 7am to 7pm from Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm Saturdays Eastern Freeway between Yarra Bend Road and Chandler Highway.

What to expect

• Construction vehicles, worker facilities, and equipment in the area.
• Traffic management in place on Yarra Bend Road and Wiltshire Drive to safely move road users through the area.
• Staged closures of the River Circuit Trail with signage and detours in place.
• Overnight lane closures on the freeway, with minor delays expected.
• Low to moderate levels of noise, dust and vibration, which we’ll minimise as much as possible.

Managing impacts

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

• monitoring noise, dust and vibration levels with real-time electronic monitoring, ensuring compliance with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria guidelines
• managing dust with water carts and mud on local roads by using street sweepers
• signage, traffic management and detours in place to guide drivers, pedestrians and cyclists around the area during the closure
• qualified ecologist to oversee flora and fauna and waterway protection in the area.

Keeping in touch

Schedule is subject to change. Visit the disruptions map for schedule changes.

Sign up for SMS updates

Text Eastern Freeway to: 0499 073 073

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.