A traffic controller has died after being hit by a car while working on a Melbourne freeway in the early hours of this morning.

The 58-year-old was working on the road works along the Eastern Freeway, near Hoddle Street, when he was struck by a Toyota sedan around 12.15am

The man was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital, where he later died.

The driver of the vehicle, a 27-year-old man, was arrested at the scene and is currently assisting police with inquiries.

Officers have warned the Eastern Freeway is expected to be closed for some time while investigators process the scene.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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