The old Doncaster Road bridge will be no more as of next Monday, as demolition works make way for a new 10-lane thoroughfare.

  • Eastern Freeway users are advised to plan for delays of up to 90 minutes.

  • The freeway will close in both directions between Doncaster Road and Middleborough Road from 10pm on Wednesday January 7 to 5am on Monday January 12.

❓What’s happening? The demolition of the old bridge will allow construction to begin on the southern side of the new Doncaster Road bridge.

  • Other works along the closure will include installing drainage, lifting steel beams into place at Bulleen and installing high-voltage power lines under the freeway between Tram Road and Middleborough Road.

Plan ahead: Eastern Freeway to close for the first time in more than 25 years

The major road closure follows on from many months of roadworks, speed limit reductions as part of a broad program of upgrades. Here’s how to avoid a potential 90 minutes of delays in your weekend commute.

🚧Ongoing upgrades: The works form part of broader upgrades of the Eastern Freeway, which will introduce six new express lanes, new traffic management technology and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway.

🛑 Two-way detours: Drivers will be required to detour via Doncaster Road and Wetherby Road to re-enter the freeway.

🚗Limited access: The following freeway ramps will be closed during the full freeway closure to help ease traffic congestion:

  • Chandler Highway: Ringwood-bound entry ramp;

  • Thompsons Road: Ringwood-bound entry ramp;

  • Bulleen Road: Citybound exit ramp;

  • Springvale Road: citybound entry ramp; and

  • Blackburn Road: Citybound entry ramp.

⛔No stopping: Street parking in both directions along Doncaster Road will also be closed between Wetherby Road and High Street.

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