The Bulleen Road Interchange has opened its first section as part of North East Link.
North East Link has opened its first section of The Bulleen Road Interchange.
This marks the first permanent road section to open in the massive congestion-cutting project. The Victorian and Federal governments jointly fund the North East Link initiative.
North East Link
- First permanent section of Bulleen Road Interchange now open
- New 270-metre section built using more than 100 Super T beams
- Full project completion scheduled for 2028
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The new connection North East Link keeps traffic flowing smoothly. Construction crews can now build the tunnel entrance safely. They will also construct the massive interchange connecting the Eastern Freeway to 6.5-kilometre tunnels.
Crews installed more than 100 of Victoria’s largest Super T beams ever made. Each beam stretches up to 43 metres long. They weigh up to 126 tonnes each.
Eastern Freeway upgrade works
Work accelerates on the Eastern Freeway’s major North East Link upgrade. New express lanes will reduce travel times significantly. Managed motorway technology will improve traffic flow. Melbourne’s first dedicated busway will transform public transport.
Two key pedestrian bridges face replacement in coming months. The Estelle Street bridge in Balwyn needs upgrading. The Heyington Avenue bridge in Doncaster also requires replacement. These improvements aim to benefit walkers and bike riders crossing the freeway.
The upgraded bridges will connect to the Koonung Creek Trail.
Overnight closures will affect Eastern Freeway sections from late July to September. These closures ensure safe bridge replacement work. Traffic management plans will minimise disruption.
Additionally, September brings a planned weekend closure of the Eastern Freeway. The closure runs between Doncaster and Tram roads. Crews will lift the new Heyington Avenue bridge over the freeway during this time.
Major delays of up to 90 minutes are expected during the weekend closure. Motorists should avoid the area completely. Alternative routes will handle diverted traffic.
North East Link
The North East Link tunnels will transform Melbourne’s transport network. They connect the upgraded Eastern Freeway to the completed M80 Ring Road. Travel times will drop by 35 minutes for many journeys.
Drivers will skip 18 sets of traffic lights using the new route.
The interchange design prioritises safety and efficiency. Multiple entry and exit points accommodate heavy traffic volumes. Advanced traffic management systems monitor flow continuously.
Environmental considerations shape every construction decision. Noise barriers protect nearby residents. Dust suppression systems operate during earthworks. Native vegetation receives careful protection and replacement.
For more information on the North East Link, head here.
