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 October 2024, we'll start works east of Elgar Road on the Koonung Creek Trail between the Eastern Freeway and Paul Avenue in Mont Albert North. We'll create space to build new freeway lanes, remove and upgrade noise walls and install a channel in Koonung Creek.

To complete our works safely, we'll close the Koonung Creek Trail between Elgar Road and Paul Avenue, Mont Albert North from October 2024. We'll have on street diversions in place for pedestrians and cyclists.

Works include:

• installing timber noise reduction fencing around the work site
• removing existing noise walls on the freeway
• removing some trees and vegetation near the Koonung Creek Trail
• line marking to divert cyclists along Peter Street, Paul Avenue and Morley Crescent
• demolition of the pedestrian footbridge behind Paul Avenue
• building access tracks and hardstands
• installing a dam and bypass system into the Koonung Creek
• excavating the existing Koonung Creek to install the new channel
• building new noise walls
• landscaping and construction of a new shared use path

Before removing vegetation, we'll work with qualified ecologists to find and safely move animals to a similar habitat nearby. We'll also assess felled timber and store it on site for potential re-use with councils and community groups.

Where and when

Some extended hours work may be required. If we’re working at night near homes, we’ll let nearby residents know beforehand and work closely with impacted residents.

What to expect

During works, you can expect:

• medium to high levels of noise, dust and vibration from machinery and equipment
• overnight lane closures and traffic management on the freeway if we're working at night
• construction vehicle movements via Elgar Road Service Road, Mont Albert North
• closure of parking spaces on Elgar Road Service Road for equipment storage and machinery and truck movements
• closure of the Koonung Creek Trail between Elgar Road and Paul Avenue, Mont Albert North, with a diversion in place for pedestrians and cyclists
• a visual change due to tree removal, noise wall removal and installation of timber fencing
• removal of vegetation using chainsaws and heavy equipment
• use of directional lighting when working at night.

Managing impacts

We carefully manage our works to avoid impacting people and the environment.

This includes:

• installing noise reducing timber fencing to and reduce noise and visual impacts for residents where possible
• helping drivers, cyclists and pedestrians move safely through the area with traffic management and on-road signage
• securing work areas with fencing
• environmental controls for dust, water runoff and no-go zones around retained trees
• working behind barriers to keep our workers and road users safe.

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. 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.