- Published:
- Tuesday 17 October 2023
Before major works to upgrade the Eastern Freeway kick off next year, slashing travel time for thousands of commuters, the Allan Labor Government has released new designs for the arterial’s major overhaul.
In its first major upgrade since the 1990s, the Eastern Freeway will see more than 45 kilometres of new lanes, a dedicated busway, and state-of-the-art technology that will help deliver 11-minute travel time savings.
The designs released today cover the first stage of upgrades from Burke to Tram roads, including new and upgraded noise walls, improved walking and cycling connections and more than 1.8 million plants including 10,000 new trees.
Tough new noise standards will also be introduced along the length of the Eastern Freeway, with new and upgraded noise walls to give homes even better protection.
The project will also deliver Melbourne’s first dedicated busway from Doncaster to the city, and an upgraded Park and Ride at Doncaster.
From early 2024, construction compounds will be set up including a major works site at Koonung Creek Reserve, to support the 700-strong workforce. About a third of the reserve will remain open throughout construction and a temporary diversion will keep the Koonung Creek Trail connected.
When complete, the Eastern Freeway upgrades will connect seamlessly with the new 6.5 kilometre North East Link Tunnels - linking Melbourne’s east with the M80 Ring Road, slashing travel times by 35 minutes and taking 15,000 trucks off local roads a day.
North East Link and the Eastern Freeway Upgrades are jointly funded by the Allan and Albanese Labor Governments, and both projects are being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria.
To find out more about the Urban Design and Landscape Plans for the Eastern Freeway Upgrade and M80 Ring Road Completion, visit engage.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
“We’re getting ready to deliver the first major upgrades to the Eastern Freeway since the 1990s, building Melbourne’s first dedicated busway, slashing travel times and connecting people to the new North East Link tunnels.”
“In a Victorian first, we’re introducing new tougher night-time noise standards – giving residents better protection from traffic noise at night.”