Work on the Eastern Freeway reached a key stage in January with the demolition of the old Doncaster Road bridge and the relocation of high voltage cables beneath the freeway.
The freeway was closed between Doncaster and Middleborough roads from 7 to 12 January to allow critical demolition and utility works. Despite challenging conditions including wind, heat and thunderstorms, the works were completed on schedule and the freeway reopened, enabling the next stage of upgrades to proceed.
Excavators with hammer attachments removed the old bridge, while protective pads on the freeway surface prevented damage from falling concrete and rubble.
Further along the corridor, crews completed essential power relocations. Between Tram and Middleborough roads, a 55-metre-long, 2.3-metre-deep trench was excavated, moving more than 800 cubic metres of material. 18 high voltage cables were installed within the trench and reconnected to the existing network, clearing space for future ramp and freeway structures.
With traffic already shifted onto the city-side of the new Doncaster Road bridge in December 2025, the demolition of the old bridge paves the way for construction of the new Ringwood-side bridge in 2026.
Once complete, the upgraded Doncaster Road interchange will feature 10 lanes of traffic on the bridge and six express lanes below, along with Melbourne’s first dedicated busway.
More information about the project is available via the Eastern Freeway Upgrades Project website.
