Big Build Projects Near Launch This Spring
The Allan Labor Government is ramping up construction across Victoria’s Big Build this spring, with the Eastern Freeway set to close for a full weekend for the first time in decades as part of the North East Link project.
Over the coming months, crews will replace two key pedestrian bridges over the Eastern Freeway at Balwyn North and Doncaster. In order to safely lift the new Heyington Avenue bridge, the Freeway will close in both directions between Doncaster and Tram roads from 10:00pm Friday, 5 September to 5:00am Monday, 8 September.
As the West Gate Tunnel nears completion, all outbound lanes and ramps between Williamstown Road and Millers Road will be closed after 11:30pm on Friday, 29 August to 5:00am Monday, 1 September so crews can undertake asphalting, drainage and kerbing works.
Major delays of up to 90 minutes are expected for both disruptions, with drivers strongly encouraged to seek an alternative route and plan ahead.
Buses will replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines between Friday, 29 August and Thursday, 11 September to continue Metro Tunnel testing ahead of opening later this year and major construction at the new Suburban Rail Loop Clayton Station site.
While coaches will replace Gippsland line V/Line trains for part or all of the journey from Friday, 29 August to Friday, 5 September.
Buses also replace trains on sections of the Sunbury line from Monday, 8 September and Thursday, 11 September, and on parts of the Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown lines for four days in late September.
There will be changes to train travel for works to remove level crossings in Melton, Newport, Dandenong, Altona, Mordialloc and Aspendale – and buses will replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne, Pakenham, Werribee and Ballarat lines to continue works. Where possible, altered timetables will be in place to keep passengers on trains.
The M80 Ring Road and Greensborough Bypass will close between Plenty Road and Grimshaw Street, and Greensborough Bypass and Diamond Creek Road, from 7:30pm on Friday, 19 September to 5:30am Monday, 22 September, to build the new interchange that will connect the M80 to the 6.5 kilometre North East Link tunnels.
In Greensborough, a combined road and rail blitz for all of October will close part of Grimshaw Street and see buses replacing trains on the Hurstbridge Line, to make space to build the express lanes to the North East Link tunnels.
Motorists heading to the Mornington Peninsula are urged to allow extra time during September and October, as major works continue on Peninsula Link – all southbound lanes, towards Rosebud, will close from 10:00am Sunday, 7 September to 10:00pm Thursday, 18 October.
Road improvements in Melbourne’s south-east will continue at Clyde Road, the Princes Freeway, the Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection, as well as on Racecourse and Bald Hill roads as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade.
Work to renew and maintain infrastructure near Victoria and Elizabeth streets in the CBD will impact trams on parts of Routes 19, 57 and 59 for three weeks in October. During the works, the intersection of Victoria and Elizabeth streets will be closed, with further closures in the area. Detours will be in place for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
To find out more and to check before you travel, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
“The countdown is on with as we get ready to open the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel later this year – which will slash congestion, improve travel times and unlock more train services.”
“We thank motorists and passengers for their patience as we get on with these important works.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-08/250822_Plan-Ahead-As-Big-Build-Projects-Move-A-Step-Closer-This-Spring.pdf