Current and upcoming works
Major works - Watson Street and Hume Freeway from mid-January
We’ve started works along Watson Street and near the Hume Freeway to prepare the area for construction and begin building the new ramps.
From mid-January to March, we’ll:
- lay temporary pavement on the north side of Watson Street between McCarthy Court and Wallara Waters Boulevard
- install temporary safety barriers and signs along the Hume Freeway and Watson Street
- prepare the ground for construction near the interchange.
The temporary pavement lets us move traffic lanes slightly north and keep 1 lane open in each direction so traffic can continue to flow on Watson Street, while we build the new ramps. We’ll do these works at night when traffic is lighter, so there’s less impact during the day.
Once safety barriers are in place, we’ll prepare the ground for construction. These works will include removing the top layer of soil, setting up environmental protection zones, and pruning and removing trees and other vegetation in the road reserve between Watson Street and the Hume Freeway.
Qualified arborists and ecologists are helping us mitigate impacts on local plants and animals.
We'll work between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays between 7am and 1pm.
How will this work affect you
Hume Freeway exit right turn lane closed at Watson Street
From mid-January for up to 2 weeks, we’ll close the right turn lane on the southbound exit ramp from the Hume Freeway at Watson Street. If you’re exiting the Hume Freeway and heading towards Wallan township, please use the roundabout at Wallara Waters to make a U-turn.
Watson Street night works
We’ll keep Watson Street open in both directions during the day while we do this work. At night, we’ll close 1 lane and use temporary traffic lights to manage traffic at the following times:
- Sunday - Thursday: 9pm to 5.30am
- Friday: 10pm to 9am.
Delays of up to 5 minutes are expected during these works, so please allow extra time for your journey and follow signs and traffic controller directions.
During the project, speed limits will be 80 km/h on Hume Freeway and 40 km/h on Watson Street for everyone’s safety.
These works are expected to generate some noise, dust, and vibration. We’ll monitor these impacts to ensure they are kept to a minimum. Works are weather dependent. If our plans change, we’ll let you know in advance.
Watson Street footpath closure - mid-February to mid-2026
From mid-February until mid-2026, we’ll close the footpath on Watson Street between McCarthy Court and Wallara Waters/Commercial Drive roundabout. You will not be able to walk across the bridge during this time.
To help you move safely through the area while this closure is in place, we’ll run a free community shuttle bus between Wallan train station, Wallara Waters and Wallan town centre, running 7 days a week. You’ll see timetables and signs around the area closer to the shuttle service starting.
We’ll also run a separate school shuttle each school morning and afternoon, so students who would usually walk to and from school can safely get to Wallan Primary, Wallan Secondary, and Our Lady of the Way.
Site compound setup
We’ve started setting up a temporary site compound on the reserve along Wallara Waters Boulevard. This work includes:
- fencing the area
- installing driveways for vehicle access
- connecting utility services
- removing vegetation
- laying crushed rock for a stable base
- installing portable buildings for the site office and facilities
- investigating underground utilities on nearby nature strips.
The site compound will remain in place for the duration of the upgrade. Once the upgrade is complete, the facilities will be removed and area reinstated.