The Eastern Freeway is being upgraded and anyone wanting to know anything about the new works can now visit the visitor centre at 284 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North.
The visitor centre houses a large visualization of the Eastern Freeway Upgrade offering a large touch screen showcasing what the upgrade will look like.
The interactive touch screen is supported by brochures, flyers and other information showcasing the project.
Materials being used in the construction of the freeway are also on display such as noise minimizing materials and acrylics.
Ashley Lodder and his team welcome groups such as the Probus Clubs, school groups and residents to the visitor centre and they enjoy discussing the upgrades to the local infrastructure of the freeway, the park’n’ride, park plans and the construction of the noise walls on the freeway.
The visitor centre also features a children’s play area so parents can discuss the project works while the children play.
The State Government is upgrading the Eastern Freeway with new express lanes, new traffic management technology and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway.
These changes will slash travel times and improve public transport in Melbourne’s east.
The works include building new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, bridges and underpasses, upgrading Koonung Creek Reserve, revitalizing wetlands and waterways and planting new trees and plants. The upgrades will also deliver a better noise standard for the Eastern Freeway, with new upgraded noise walls.
The Eastern Freeway Upgrades will be delivered in three stages, with major works from Burke Road to Tram Road starting in 2024.
Before major construction for the first stage gets under way, the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) is being exhibited to gauge the local community’s thoughts on the look and feel of what’s planned for the local area.
UDLPs for the remaining stages of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades will be on exhibition from this year.
When complete, the Eastern Freeway Upgrades will connect seamlessly with the new 6.5km North East Link Tunnels linking Melbourne’s east with the Ring Road, slashing travel times by 35 minutes and taking 15,000 trucks off local roads a day.