Victoria’s heritage authority wants one of Melbourne’s busiest roads, the Eastern Freeway, on the official register of protected historic places.

Heritage Victoria says the 8.8-kilometre stretch of freeway between Hoddle Street and Bulleen Road has a cultural and historical significance to the state, and has recommended the road goes on the register.

Traffic crawls along the Eastern Freeway towards the city. Credit:Craig Abraham

The state government welcomed the recommendation on Monday, saying the listing would provide certainty for the North-East-Link, the $15.7 billion behemoth road project under construction at the eastern end of the stretch of freeway proposed for heritage status.

If final approval is granted by the state’s Heritage Council, the Eastern Freeway will join St Kilda Road, Royal Parade and The Great Ocean Road on the state heritage register.