Essential maintenance work will be carried out on the eastern side of the southbound lanes, about four kilometres south of the Hume Highway.

One southbound lane will be closed to traffic for one kilometre to allow work which involves planting new trees to be carried out safely.

Work will take place from Monday April 16 for two weeks between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, excluding weekends and public holidays.

There will be a reduced speed limit of 80 km/h during work hours for the safety of workers and motorists.

Motorists should follow the direction of all signs and traffic control and plan their journey and allow five minutes of extra travel time.

Roads and Maritime thanks the community for its patience while work is carried out.