Hoddle to Burke Alliance awarded contract to deliver a key component of the North East Link

Collaborative alliance to deliver a major upgrade to a key section of the Eastern Freeway, improve bus connectivity, and improve connections for people who rely on this key transport corridor every day.

The Momentum consortium – comprising Seymour Whyte, John Holland, Jacobs, and Mott MacDonald – has been awarded the contract by Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) to deliver the Hoddle to Burke section of the Eastern Freeway Upgrade as part of North East Link.

The project will upgrade nearly 6 kilometres of the Eastern Freeway between Hoddle Street in Collingwood and Burke Road in Balwyn North, connecting to North East Link to the east of Burke Road. This major upgrade will provide a safer, more efficient transport network for Melbourne while supporting sustainability, innovation, and community needs.

The scope of work for this critical freeway link includes widening the freeway, constructing Melbourne’s first dedicated busway between Doncaster Park and Ride and Hoddle Street and delivering infrastructure upgrades including new road and pedestrian bridges, shared use paths for cyclist and pedestrians, and advanced intelligent transport systems. Key upgrades include:

• An additional lane in each direction from Chandler Highway to Burke Road
• Installation of new roadside barriers improving safety for the travelling public
• Construction of a new dedicated busway
• Building bus overpasses at the Chandler Highway interchange and at the Burke Road exit ramp bridge
• Developing nearly 4 kilometres of new shared use paths connecting to the Main Yarra Trail and the existing road network
• New dedicated walking and cycling steel truss bridge over the Yarra River
• Upgrading barriers on several existing bridges
• Installing new infrastructure including noise walls, retaining walls, stormwater drainage and lighting systems.

These upgrades, as part of the broader Eastern Freeway Upgrade, will connect seamlessly with the broader North East Link Program, including the new 6.5 kilometre North East Link Tunnels, to complete the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network, help reduce congestion on local arterial roads, and support Melbourne’s growing freight and public transport systems.

Momentum is committed to delivering long-term benefits for the Victorian community through sustainability and social inclusion initiatives. The project is putting people first by fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, with a focus on engaging Victorian Priority Jobseekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and creating opportunities for more women in construction.

Seymour Whyte Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, John Kirkwood, said:

“We are proud to continue our strong collaboration with John Holland, Jacobs, and Mott MacDonald to deliver this landmark project for Victoria – transforming how people move through Melbourne. This Alliance reflects smart, future-focused infrastructure, and Seymour Whyte is committed to delivering it sustainably, efficiently, and inclusively.”

John Holland Chief Operating Officer, David Lehmann, added:

“This project represents another transformative step for Melbourne’s transport network. Through collaboration with our Alliance partners and Major Road Projects Victoria, we are committed to delivering a world-class freeway upgrade that prioritises connectivity, sustainability, and local community needs.”

Jacobs Senior Vice President and General Manager Camille McGregor said:

“The project aims to deliver lasting benefits by improving transport links, promoting active travel and supporting both the economy and environment. Leveraging our extensive experience, Jacobs brings our solutions focussed design capability to the Alliance to help deliver upgrades that meet Melbourne’s long-term needs.”

Mott MacDonald Managing Director for Australia, Frances Badelow added:

“Our team is proud to contribute to the delivery of sustainable and innovative infrastructure that will support the future growth of Melbourne’s transport network and communities.”

The Hoddle to Burke Alliance will work closely with local stakeholders and communities throughout the project to ensure the upgrades reflect the needs and values of Melbourne’s growing population. Urban Design and Landscape Plans are expected to be exhibited later this year.

Major construction is expected to commence early next year and will be complete in 2028.

For further information on the North East Link Program and the Eastern Freeway Upgrades visit https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/roads/eastern-freeway-upgrades