News

Significant delays in the east this weekend (16 - 19 October) 

The Eastern Freeway will be closed in both directions between Chandler Highway and Tram Road from 10pm, Friday 16 October to 5am, Monday 19 October 2026. 

Published date:

14/10/2026

Significant delays of up to 90 minutes are expected.  Avoid the area and allow extra time. 

Detours will be in place:

  • Citybound via Tram Road, Doncaster Road, High Street and Studley Park Road
  • Ringwood-bound via Earl Street, High Street, Doncaster Road and Springvale Road
  • In either direction via Heidelberg Road, Lower Heidelberg Road, Manningham Road and Tram Road.
  • For longer trips to the city or airport, consider using alternative routes including the Monash Freeway or M80 Ring Road. 


During this time, the Eastern Freeway will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Hoddle Street and Chandler Highway. Thompsons Road will also be closed in both directions between Bulleen Road and the Thompsons Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp from 10pm, Friday 16 October until 5am, Monday 19 October 2026. 

The works are part of the Eastern Freeway Upgrade project  with the closure in place so crews can asphalt new freeway lanes, widen Bulleen Road bridge and install freeway flyovers.

Other changes to the road network during this time

  • Hoddle Street reduced to one lane between Johnston Street and the Hoddle Street entry ramp
  • Alexander Parade reduced to one lane between Smith Street and the Eastern Freeway
  • Hoddle Street and Chandler Highway Ringwood-bound entry ramps to the Eastern Freeway will also be closed
  • Middleborough Road, Blackburn Road and Springvale Road citybound entry ramps to the Eastern Freeway will also be closed.
     

Road signage will be in the area to help guide you through. Visit North East Link for further information on the planned works.

Bus route impacts

PTV bus route 200, 905, 906, 907 and 908 will be impacted.

  • Bus route 200: Manningham Road, Bulleen Road
  • Bus route 905: Manningham Road, Bulleen Road, Kilby Road, Chandler Highway
  • Bus routes 906, 907 and 908: Doncaster Road, Kilby Road, Chandler Highway

Other disruptions in the area

  • Hurstbridge Line: buses replace trains between Parliament and Macleod from 8:15pm Friday 16 October to last service Sunday 18 October 2026.