By Lynda Myer
Stretching from Watsonia to Bulleen, the North East Link Tunnels received approval of the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP).
As a response to community feedback received through the project’s Environment Effects Statement, the UDLP included longer tunnels to Watsonia, improved interchange designs at Lower Plenty Road, Manningham Road, and the Eastern Freeway, new parklands and wetlands in Yallambie and Bulleen, a tree-lined boulevard for Greensborough Road and a new green bridge over Bulleen Road.
May 2022 was the date that this plan was on exhibition and it was viewed more than 37,500 times online. In order to speak with the team, more than 500 people attended to an information session in Watsonia or Bulleen, and just over 250 submissions were received.
In response to submissions received the final North East Link Tunnels UDLP approved by the Minister for Planning on 3 February 2023, includes further improvements to the design including:
Improved walking and cycling connections
- To and through Borlase Reserve in Yallambie.
- To and through the new cultural wetlands along the Yarra River (Birrarung) in Bulleen.
- Along Bulleen Road in Bulleen.
- Across the Eastern Freeway interchange in Balwyn North.
More opportunities for more trees and plants
- To improve community spaces, enhance wildlife habitat and help screen ventilation structures, noise walls, bridges, and buildings.
- We’re also building a new wildlife crossing under Lower Plenty Road between Borlase Reserve and Banyule Flats.
More privacy and better views for residents
- A new high-quality fence and extra planting for residents near Borlase Reserve.
- More space for trees and plants near noise walls on Estelle Street in Bulleen.
- Keeping existing trees in Koonung Creek Reserve near Leonis Avenue in Balwyn North.
