Boring complete, disruptions continue

by Sandi Miller
10th August 2026

THE SECOND tunnel boring machine, Gillian, has achieved a successful breakthrough in Bulleen, marking excavation as complete for the North East Link (NEL) twin tunnels.
Now that both machines have broken through, crews will now begin the massive task of tunnel fit out — preparing the tunnels for traffic in 2028.
Above ground the construction continues, Big Build crews are:

  • completing overhead gantry signage, drainage works, and driveway construction on Manningham Road, Bulleen Road, and Banksia Street
  • progressing works on the Yarra Link green bridge walls, southern ventilation structure, and tunnel entrance
  • continuing to build the Motorway Control Centre which will monitor traffic conditions to help the tunnel operate smoothly.

Meanwhile, Big Build says the recent works on Manningham Road, Bulleen Road, and Banksia Street are now complete and the road has reopened.

“We thank the community for your patience as we completed these critical works to support the ongoing construction of the Manningham Road interchange,” said a statement from Big Build.

Eastern Freeway Upgrades

Eastern Freeway upgrades are continuing with new traffic management technology, express lanes, walking and cycling connections, Melbourne’s first dedicated busway, and a connection to the North East Link tunnels.
Over the last month Big Build has:

  • finalised the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for the Hoddle Street to Burke Road section of the Eastern Freeway
  • started to build foundations for the busway bridge near Burke Road
  • installed more than 109 of the 188 beams used to support the elevated ramps connecting the Eastern Freeway to the North East Link tunnels
  • finished installing beams for the Ringwood-side of the Doncaster Road bridge that will form part of the new upgraded Doncaster Road interchange
  • installed the roofs for both pavilions as part of the Bulleen Park Sport Upgrade
  • continued building the new walking and cycling bridge at the Bulleen interchange
  • continued building the Doncaster Park & Ride multi-level carpark structure out of the ground
  • built piers that will form the new elevated Middleborough Road citybound entry ramp
  • built the foundations of the new walking and cycling bridge over the freeway between Tram and Middleborough roads
  • installed new drainage under the freeway
  • opened a temporary bridge over Koonung Creek in Eram Park, Doncaster, to maintain walking and cycling connections over the freeway.

In the coming months crews will:

  • begin to build foundations for the new walking and cycling bridge over the Yarra River near Yarra Bend Park
  • demolish the temporary Doncaster Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp
  • start to build the southern bus platform at Bulleen Park & Ride
  • continue works to realign a section of the Koonung Creek in Eram Park
  • continue works to widen the Blackburn Road citybound entry ramp and build the foundations for new noise walls
  • install new underground drainage and cables for smart traffic technology under the freeway.

Upcoming disruptions

Eastern Freeway weekend closure

The Eastern Freeway will be closed in both directions between Bulleen Road and Springvale Road from 10pm, Friday, August 14, to 5am, Monday, August 17.
Detours in place via:

  • Bulleen Road, Templestowe Road, Reynolds Road, and Springvale Road
  • Bulleen Road, Manningham Road, Doncaster Road, and Springvale Road
  • Springvale Road, Maroondah Highway, and Burke Road (citybound only).

Delays of up to 90 minutes are expected and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area.

Thompsons Road closure

From 10pm, Friday, August 14, until mid-September, Thompsons Road will be closed in both directions between Bulleen Road and the Thompsons Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp.
Detours in place:

  • northbound traffic via Bulleen Road, Manningham Road, and Thompsons Road
  • westbound traffic via Thompsons Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp, Eastern Freeway Ringwood-bound, Doncaster Road, Eastern Freeway citybound, and Bulleen Road citybound exit ramp.

To support traffic flow during this time, Big Build will close various freeway ramps, turning movements, sections of street parking, and bus stops.

Bulleen Road citybound entry ramp

Bulleen road citybound entry ramp to the Eastern Freeway will be closed from 9pm, Tuesday, August 18, to mid-September.
Detours in place:

  • northbound traffic via Bulleen Road, Banksia Street, and Lower Heidelberg Road
  • southbound traffic via Bulleen Road, and Burke Road.

Doncaster Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp

The Doncaster Road Ringwood-bound entry ramp to the Eastern Freeway is currently closed until mid-October.
Detours in place:

  • eastbound via Doncaster Road, and Wetherby Road
  • westbound via Doncaster Road, Balwyn Road, Belmore Road, and Elgar Road.

Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected.
For more information visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.