Homes in historic suburbs such as Carlton, Parkville, North Melbourne and Flemington could be at risk from loud noise, ground vibrations and poor air quality during the building and operation of the proposed East-West tunnel link, according to a new government document.

These potential problems could be so bad that some residents and businesses will be forced to move during construction or permanently, according to the most detailed government document to be released on the proposal.

Other residents may notice big changes to their heritage streetscapes because of new elevated structures "with the potential to have a significant effect on visual amenity', the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure document states.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has quietly published scoping directions for a comprehensive impact statement on the underground sections of the proposed link.