The Eastern Freeway upgrades from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road have hit another milestone, as the project enters the next significant phase.
Two ‘world-class’ consortia have been selected as the preferred bidders for the next significant phases of the Eastern Freeway upgrades, marking a major step forward for Melbourne’s transport network. The Eastern Freeway project, which spans from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road, aims to deliver state-of-the-art improvements, including new express lanes, advanced traffic management systems, and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway from Doncaster towards the city.
With construction already underway, these upgrades are set to transform the freeway, offering better connectivity for Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs. This project is a crucial part of the larger North East Link initiative, which is expected to ease congestion and improve travel times for commuters across the region.
Eastern Freeway upgrades from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road
- The Eastern Freeway is undergoing a complete overhaul
- There’ll be new express lanes, advanced traffic management systems, and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway
- This project is a crucial part of the larger North East Link initiative
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Momentum and Synergy: The consortia driving the upgrades
The Eastern Freeway is undergoing a complete overhaul, and two key consortia have been chosen to lead different sections of the project. The Momentum consortium, which includes John Holland, Seymour Whyte, Jacobs, and Mott Macdonald, has been selected as the preferred bidder for upgrades between Hoddle Street and Burke Road. This part of the project will include new technology, additional lanes, connections to the Eastern Busway, and new walking and cycling paths, including a dedicated bridge over the Yarra River.
Meanwhile, the Synergy consortium, comprising CPB Contractors, BMD Constructions, and Arup, will oversee the upgrades between Tram and Springvale roads. This section will feature express lanes, smart traffic management technology, upgraded noise walls, and improvements to the Koonung Creek Linear Park. Both consortia will work closely with Major Road Projects Victoria ahead of contracts being awarded in 2025.
A transformation in travel times and connectivity
Once complete, the Eastern Freeway upgrades will add over 45 kilometres of new lanes, strategically placed where they are most needed. These new lanes will be equipped with advanced traffic management systems, designed to slash travel times on the freeway by up to 11 minutes. For commuters traveling between Springvale Road and Hoddle Street, these time savings will be a game-changer.
Additionally, the project includes the construction of Melbourne’s first dedicated busway, which will run from Doncaster towards the city. This busway will integrate seamlessly with the new North East Link tunnels, improving public transport options for the region. The project will also deliver over 10 kilometres of new walking and cycling paths, providing a boost to active transport options.
Urban design and landscaping plan for first phase approved
In a significant milestone for the project, the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for the first stage of the Eastern Freeway upgrades—from Burke Road to Tram Road—has been officially approved. This plan includes upgraded noise walls designed to meet Victoria’s 58-decibel night-time noise standard, improved designs for walking and cycling bridges, and extensive landscaping works that will introduce more than 10,000 new trees and 1.8 million plants.
The UDLP approval follows extensive community consultation, with feedback gathered through the project’s Environment Effects Statement. During the exhibition period, the plan was viewed online more than 7,000 times, and over 140 people attended an information display to engage with the project team. This feedback led to several enhancements in the design, including:
- Improved walking and cycling connections
- An additional 1.2 km of upgrades to the main Koonung Creek Trail
- Better bike connections at Doncaster Road to Doncaster Park & Ride
- A new Heyington Avenue bridge design at Valda Wetlands
- Additional upgrades for Koonung Creek Reserve and parklands
- New fitness equipment, BBQ and rest areas, more bike repair stations, and drinking fountains
Environmental improvements and community benefits
Beyond the transport improvements, the Eastern Freeway upgrades will deliver significant environmental benefits. New noise walls will provide better protection for local homes, while more trees will be planted to provide shade and enhance the local environment. The revitalised Koonung Creek Reserve will see additional fitness equipment, BBQ areas, and more bike repair stations, creating a better recreational space for the community.
The project is also set to improve active transport links, with new walking and cycling paths connecting Koonung Creek Trail in Bulleen and Doncaster, as well as Doncaster Park & Ride. These improvements will make it easier for locals to walk or cycle, further encouraging healthier, more sustainable transport options.
North East Link integration: A vision for the future
The Eastern Freeway upgrades are a key part of the broader North East Link project, which is expected to take 15,000 trucks off local roads daily. This project will save up to 35 minutes in travel time between the eastern suburbs and the outer north and is expected to create 12,000 jobs.
In addition to the freeway works, the North East Link project will complete the M80 Ring Road at Greensborough by adding nearly 15 kilometres of new lanes from Plenty Road to the new North East Link. The project will also improve the Grimshaw Street interchange and create new walking and cycling connections.
Looking ahead: Completion and disruption
The Eastern Freeway, which hasn’t seen a major upgrade in decades, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation over the coming years. While the project promises long-term benefits, including a more efficient freeway, better public transport options, and enhanced community spaces, it is also expected to cause significant disruption as construction integrates the freeway upgrades with the new North East Link tunnels.
The North East Link tunnels, Eastern Freeway upgrade, and M80 Ring Road update are scheduled to open in 2028. The project is jointly funded by the Federal and Victorian governments, ensuring Melbourne’s transport network can meet the needs of its growing population well into the future.
For more information, head to the Big Build website here.
