Arcadis, a global leader in design and consultancy, has been awarded a contract by the Victorian Government to deliver major design upgrades to the Eastern Freeway between Burke Road and Tram Road.
The upgraded Eastern Freeway will connect with the North East Link tunnels at a new interchange in Bulleen, creating a link to the M80 Ring Road. The freeway project includes the construction of six new express lanes, the first section of Melbourne’s first dedicated express busway, and new shared-use paths, pedestrian bridges, and underpasses.
These upgrades, together with the North East Link tunnels, will reduce travel times by 35 minutes and take 15,000 trucks off local roads daily, improving the overall transport system in Melbourne’s east.
To minimise community impact, the Arcadis team will support the development of improved noise walls. This involves designing for a quieter 58-decibel noise standard at night – a first for a road project in Victoria.
Arcadis forms part of the Eastern Freeway - Burke to Tram Alliance with Major Road Projects Victoria, Laing O’Rourke, Symal and WSP, which will provide a full suite of design development and management for the project.
Josh Branton, Project Manager for Arcadis, said: "We take pride in joining an alliance dedicated to the Eastern Freeway’s first major upgrade since the 1990s. We are pleased to be working with our alliance partners and the Victorian Government to realise their sustainability goals and develop a major enhancement in the connectivity of Melbourne’s east.”
The project will also deliver more than 1.8 million new plants, including over 10,000 trees. The extensive tree planning will reinstate Koonung Creek Reserve and Valda Wetlands post-construction.
An Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) has been developed for the project, which was recently exhibited for public comment.
The project will be complete in 2028.
