EastLink Safety

Safest freeway in Melbourne

Maintaining a safe environment for all drivers is a priority for EastLink. We are proud to be Melbourne’s safest freeway. Our safety record reflects the partnership approach we take with motorists. We manage traffic flow from the 24/7 EastLink control room, and deploy our incident response vehicles to help keep motorists safe when they break down or are involved in an incident. The EastLink control room operates around the clock, monitoring the roadway with video cameras, traffic counters, and automatic detectors for tunnel incidents, tunnel fire and over-height vehicles.

Keeping safe on EastLink

We expect everyone to drive within the speed limits, and behave courteously to others on the road. You can help keep yourself safe on EastLink by always obeying safety instructions, including: lane control signs and lane markings; fixed and variable speed signs; safety messages on digital signs as well as in-tunnel radio broadcasts and loudspeaker announcements. Always follow instructions provided by emergency response personnel.

What to do if you need help

In an emergency phone 000

If your vehicle breaks down, stop in an emergency lane, illuminate your hazard lights, remain in the vehicle if it is safe to do so, and phone (03) 9955 1550 to report the incident to EastLink.

If possible, stop in the emergency lane of an off-ramp instead of an emergency lane adjacent to the main carriageway. The off-ramp will be safer, with lower traffic volumes travelling at slower speeds.

Never cross a freeway on foot.

Breaking down in an EastLink tunnel

If your vehicle breaks down in an EastLink tunnel, the tunnel's incident detection system will indicate your location to operators in the 24/7 EastLink control room. The control room operators will respond by reducing the tunnel speed, and by warning approaching motorists (e.g. using digital message signs, lane control signs and in-tunnel radio broadcasts). Passing traffic makes it dangerous to leave your vehicle unless it is unsafe to remain in the vehicle (e.g. an engine fire). An EastLink incident response vehicle will be dispatched by the control room operators and will arrive to provide you with assistance.

Reporting a road hazard on EastLink

To report a road hazard on EastLink, phone (03) 9955 1550 at any time.

Never touch your mobile phone while driving.

This phone number is for road hazards only. Customer service for EastLink accounts, toll payments and other tolling matters is NOT provided on this phone number.

Promoting road safety

EastLink is a long-term supporter of Amber Community and their Shine A Light on Road Safety campaign.

When not needed for incident messages, we use EastLink's digital message signs to communicate safe driving messages.