North East Link between Bulleen and Greensborough unveiled

DESIGNS for the $16 billion North East link have been released for public discussion. Here’s all the main details of the project the Premier today described as the “missing link” the state needs.

PREMIER Daniel Andrews says the $16 billion North East link was the “missing link” that Victoria could not afford to avoid.

It comes as detailed designs for the project were released.

The road, connecting the Eastern Freeway in Bulleen to the M80 ring road in Greensborough, will feature 5.8km of tunnelling and be built to a noise standard of 63 decibels.

The completed reference design also features a 1.2km section of lowered road along Greensborough Rd, which will have four “green bridges” over them.

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The twin three-lane tunnel will start at Lower Plenty Rd in Rosanna then go underground for 5.3km before re-emerging next to Bulleen Rd and connecting to the Eastern Freeway via a series of overpasses.

The link between the Eastern Freeway and the M80 is 11km and a further 15km section of Eastern Freeway, either side of Bulleen Rd, will be upgraded.

The detailed maps, 3D videos and images will be on display throughout the north eastern suburbs where the project will run.

An artist’s impression of the North East Link as seen from the air.

Officials from the North East Link authority will visit local shopping centres to explain the design to locals.

The public will also be able to access a website which has detailed images, maps and 3D videos of each section of the 26km project.

It will feature 25km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths.

Noise walls have been upgraded from earlier designs. The sound from the road would be the equivalent of background conversation in a restaurant or the humming of a nearby airconditioning unit.

An artist’s impression of a Yarra River bridge.

Premier Daniel Andrews said completing the reference design would allow him to keep his promise that the North East Link will be put out to market within the first 100 days if his government is re-elected this November.

He said construction would be expected to start in 2020 and the road is expected to open in 2027.

“This project takes 15,000 trucks a day off local roads,” Premier Andrews said today.

“It creates more than 10,000 jobs.

“This is about giving local roads back to local residents.”

To see detailed designs visit: northeastlink.vic.gov.au