The Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for the first stage of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Burke Road to Tram Road has been approved.
In response to community feedback through the project’s Environment Effects Statement, the UDLP exhibited for comment in October 2023 included new and upgraded noise walls to meet Victoria’s first 58-decibel night-time noise standard, improved designs for new walking and cycling bridges and extensive reinstatement for areas of open space needed to support construction, with more than 10,000 new trees and 1.8 million plants.
While the plan was on exhibition, it was viewed online more than 7,000 times. Over 140 people visited an information display to speak with our team, and 130 submissions were received.
In response to submissions the final UDLP now includes further improvements to the design including:
Improved walking and cycling connections
- an extra 1.2 km of upgrades to the main Koonung Creek Trail
- better bike connections at Doncaster Road to Doncaster Park & Ride
- improved Heyington Avenue bridge design at Valda Wetlands
- new connections to Koonung Creek Trail in Bulleen and Doncaster.
Additional upgrades for Koonung Creek Reserve and parklands
- extra fitness equipment
- extra BBQ and rest areas
- more bike repair stations and drinking fountains.
Improved designs for noise walls
- more space for trees and plants at Koonung Creek Reserve near Doncaster Road
- more trees for screening and shade along Koonung Creek Trail near Elgar Road.
Thank you to everyone who took an interest in the UDLP online, came to an information session or gave us your feedback.
You can read more about what we heard, and changes made to the UDLP in the Community Consultation Report - PDF, 4.0 MB. See the approved UDLP.
With the Urban Design and Landscape Plan now approved, locals will see construction work on the Eastern Freeway Upgrades continue to ramp up. See the latest construction updates on our work notices webpage.
