WSP awarded landmark Infrastructure project to upgrade Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway

The project will deliver new express lanes, new traffic management technology and the first stage of Melbourne’s first dedicated busway. A new interchange in Bulleen will provide a seamless connection with the North East Link tunnels. It will link Melbourne’s east with the M80 Ring Road, reducing travel times by 35 minutes and taking 15,000 trucks off local roads a day.

WSP’s team will provide multidisciplinary services including civil design, structural design, traffic modelling, noise modelling, and overall coordination of the different technical design disciplines.

“WSP is delighted to be playing a part in delivering the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network, the project will deliver great outcomes for the local community,” says Charlie Jewkes, Managing Director of Transport, Advisory & Water.

The Eastern Freeway – Burke to Tram scope of work includes major road and bridge upgrades, a new interchange connecting the Eastern Freeway to the North East Link tunnels, smart traffic management technology upgrades and new noise protection to meet tough new traffic noise standards. It will also feature new and upgraded walking and cycling connections, upgrades to Koonung Creek Reserve, and revitalised wetlands and open spaces for the community.

Over the past year, WSP and its alliance partners have worked collaboratively with the Victorian Government, providing design and constructability expertise to support the project’s planning process. 

Site preparation work is now well underway, with major works planned to commence in 2024. The project will be complete in 2028.