The Victorian government has announced "major transport disruptions" this September, October, and November as Big Build projects ramp up.
Commuters in Melbourne and surrounding regions should prepare for significant transport disruptions throughout September, October, and November. With various road and tram closures, travelers are urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
The upcoming disruptions will impact several key areas, including inner Melbourne, the western suburbs, and parts of regional Victoria.
Transport disruption dates and locations
Inner Melbourne
- Swanston Street – 26 to 30 August, 30 August to 16 September
- Victoria street – 30 August to 16 September
- Bourke Street – 1 to 5 October
- Tram routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 – 26 August to 16 September
- Tram route 86 – 1 to 5 October
- Tram route 96 – 1 to 5 October
Melbourne’s west
- M80 Ring Road – 6 to 23 September
- West Gate Freeway ramp to the M80 Ring Road – closed for 2 weeks in October
Melbourne’s north
- Hurstbridge Line – 4 to 24 October
Melbourne’s east
- No major disruptions during this time period
Melbourne’s south east
- Clayton Road, Clayton – 27 August to late October
- Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road – 26 August to mid November; a weekend in mid October; mid to late November; mid November to early December.
- Princes Freeway exit ramps, Pakenham and Berwick – mid September to late December; for several days in mid October; from mid October to mid November
- Princes Freeway, Pakenham – weekends in November
- Racecourse Road, Pakenham – a weekend in late September
- McGregor Road, Pakenham – late September; a weekend in late October; at times in November
Regional Victoria
- Gippsland Line – 16 to 27 October
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
What’s happening across the network
The disruptions are partly due to key works on several Big Build projects converging simultaneously with Yarra Trams upgrade works across the CBD. As part of Victoria’s Big Build, work on the West Gate Tunnel Project is progressing, with the widening of the West Gate Freeway from eight to twelve lanes and the construction of a new bike veloway above Footscray Road. The Metro Tunnel’s five new stations—Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac—are taking shape, with three of the five now complete. Test trains continue to run through the tunnel.
These works are part of a broader effort to remove dangerous and congested level crossings and to carry out upgrade works across the southeast under Big Build Roads.
- Tunnelling is underway on North East Link
- Preparations are being made to upgrade the Eastern Freeway and M80 Ring Road
- Tunnelling and underground station excavation on Suburban Rail Loop East are in the works
- Yarra Trams track renewal will occur on various routes across the tram network
These works will cause delays on key roads and surrounding areas. Plan ahead, allow extra time, or take an alternative route if possible. With these disruptions spanning multiple regions and transport modes, it’s essential to stay informed and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
For a comprehensive list of disruptions near you, search the Disruptions Map.
