North East Link is more than just the state’s longest road tunnels – we’re bringing 3 big road projects together.
We’re connecting the Eastern Freeway to the new 6.5km North East Link tunnels from Bulleen to Watsonia. The new tunnels and freeway upgrades will link Melbourne’s east up to the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough, cutting travel times by 35 minutes and taking 15,000 trucks off local roads a day.
We’re also doing more for the local community as we deliver these 3 massive projects. We’ve invested millions of dollars in upgrades to sports grounds at local schools, clubs and playing fields. Over the life of the project, we’ll support the community through $10 million worth of community grants. We’ll also create a greener north east – delivering 50 MCGs of new community parklands and open space across the north east.
North East Link
Victoria’s longest twin road tunnels will stretch 6.5km from Watsonia to Bulleen, taking cars and trucks under instead of through suburbs. We’ll also create 5 MCGs of parklands along Banyule Creek at Borlase Reserve and a new 2km tree-lined boulevard on Greensborough Road.
M80 Ring Road Completion
The completed M80 Ring Road will take 19,000 cars and trucks a day off Greensborough Road with through traffic passing under Grimshaw Street, Elder Street and Watsonia Road – giving local roads back to local people.
Two new interchanges at the M80 Ring Road and Grimshaw Street will ease congestion and slash travel times, with dedicated lanes for local trips and express lanes to the North East Link tunnels.
More than 10km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths and better connections to Watsonia Station and shops will make it safer and easier to move about local suburbs.
Find out more on the Big Build Roads website.
Eastern Freeway Upgrades
We’re upgrading the Eastern Freeway with new express lanes, new traffic management technology and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway. These changes will slash travel times and improve public transport in Melbourne’s east.
We’ll also connect the Eastern Freeway to the new North East Link tunnels in Bulleen – linking Melbourne’s east to the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough, cutting travel times by 35 minutes and taking 15,000 trucks a day off local roads.
As we overhaul the Eastern Freeway, we’ll build new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, bridges and underpasses, upgrade Koonung Creek Reserve, revitalise wetlands and waterways and plant new trees and plants.
A tougher noise standard and new and upgraded noise walls will also deliver better noise protection for residents.
Find out more on the Big Build Roads website.
Who will build North East Link?
In late 2021, we appointed Spark to build the North East Link tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen. This includes Victoria's longest road tunnels, interchanges at Lower Plenty Road and Manningham Road, new parklands, wetlands, bike and walking paths and improvements to local roads. Works are in full swing with tunnelling underway.
In late 2023, 2 delivery teams were appointed for the overhaul of the first part of the Eastern Freeway and the completion of the M80 Ring Road.
The Eastern Freeway Upgrades will be delivered in 3 stages. Major works from Burke Road to Tram Road are underway.
Designs for the remaining stages from Hoddle Street to Burke Road, and Tram Road to Springvale Road will be on exhibition for community feedback as we bring builders on board from 2025.
As part of North East Link, we're completing the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough.
The project is planned to open at the same time as the North East Link tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen and the Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road.
Learn more about works in your area