North East Link

The North East Link (NEL) is Victoria’s largest road project and represents the ‘missing link’ in Melbourne’s transport network. The project will connect the M80 with the Eastern Freeway linking key growth areas in the north and south-east. It includes upgrades to the Eastern Freeway, a dedicated Doncaster Busway, more than 25 kilometres of new and upgraded cycling and walking paths, and improvements to community facilities including local sports grounds.

The $11.1 billion major works contract will be delivered in an Australian first four-partner public-private-partnership with an incentivised target cost (ITC) – a fundamentally more collaborative contract where risk and reward are shared. The scope of the PPP includes:

– 6.5km tunnels to Watsonia

– Interchanges at Lower Plenty Road and Manningham Road

– 5 MCGs of parklands along Banyule Creek at Borlase Reserve

– 2km tree-lined boulevard for Greensborough Road

– 2 hectare Yarra Link green bridge over Bulleen Road

– 3 new wetlands along the Yarra River and Koonung Creek in Bulleen and Balwyn North

– The construction and commissioning of the twin, three lane, and 6.5 kilometre tunnels

– The long-term operation and maintenance of the entire North East Link corridor over a 25-year contract

Construction begun in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2028, alongside other North East Link packages.