Traffic controller fatally hit by car while working on Melbourne freeway

A traffic controller working on a Melbourne freeway was fatally hit by a car just after midnight on Wednesday.

The 58-year-old man’s ute had been pulled over on the outbound lanes of the Eastern Freeway when he was struck.

Emergency services responded to the Eastern Fwy, near Hoddle St at 12.15am, where a damaged car and toppled safety cones remained at the scene.

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The traffic warden was taken to hospital, but later died, Victoria Police said.

The 58-year-old was allegedly struck by the 27-year-old driver of a Toyota sedan, who was taken to hospital without physical injuries and later arrested by police.

Police believe speed may have been a factor, 7NEWS understands.

“The Eastern Freeway is expected to be closed for some time while investigators process the scene,” Victoria Police said.

The freeway is closed between Hoddle St and the Chandler Hwy and drivers will be diverted at Wellington St to then use Queens Pde, Heidelberg Rd and the Chandler Hwy to return to the Eastern Fwy.

Several bus routes are also affected and passengers should check the public transport website before their trip.

Anyone with dashcam footage or information about the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

WorkSafe have been notified.

The man’s death brings the state’s annual road toll to 191.

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