The state government has applied for sections of the Eastern Freeway, one of Melbourne's most congested motorways, to be granted heritage status.

Experts have found the area between Hoddle Street and Bulleen Road has the potential to meet Victorian Heritage Register criteria because of "aesthetic and historical" values. These include bridge design and the fact it was a "focus for major community protests in the 1970s".

Most Melburnians, however, would be more familiar with the Eastern Freeway's congestion than its heritage values. Inbound lanes in the notoriously jammed Hoddle Street end have been shown to be the slowest in the city.

Morning peak on the Eastern Freeway. Credit:Craig Abraham

Other structures on the Heritage Council of Victoria database include St Paul's Cathedral, Flagstaff Gardens and the MCG.