Melbourne’s Major Road Closures and Transport Disruptions: What You Need to Know for 2025
Melbourne is in the midst of one of its largest transport infrastructure projects in recent history, with the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel projects set to reshape the city’s roads and railways. As these vital projects progress, commuters across Melbourne should brace for months of major road closures, rail disruptions, and bus replacements. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the upcoming disruptions, and what they mean for your travel plans in 2025.
Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel: The Big Build’s Impact
The Metro Tunnel, which will extend Melbourne’s rail network, is entering its final phase ahead of its scheduled 2025 opening. Trial operations for the tunnel have already begun, marking a significant milestone in the construction. Over the next several months, station staff, operators, and maintenance crews will practice a range of scenarios to ensure everything runs smoothly when the tunnel officially opens.
For those who travel through the city, the impacts will be felt most around Flinders Street. From late January, this major thoroughfare will see reduced lanes between Russell and Swanston Streets, with a full westbound closure between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets. These closures will remain in place until the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the construction of underground stations, including the Town Hall and State Library stations, continues with major work completed on three of the five stations.
Road Closures and Lane Reductions in the West
In the west, maintenance work on the West Gate Bridge will take place over the holiday period, from 26 December to 4 January, causing significant delays. Three citybound lanes will be closed for the duration, leaving only two lanes open for traffic. If you’re planning to drive into the city from the west, expect delays of up to 30 minutes and make sure to allow extra time for your journey.
Further disruptions will affect the West Gate Freeway starting in early January, with road resurfacing work planned for the stretch between Millers Road and the West Gate Bridge. This is part of preparation for the West Gate Tunnel, which is expected to open next year and provide much-needed relief to the congested West Gate Bridge.
Train and Bus Replacements Across Melbourne
The summer months will see multiple disruptions across Melbourne’s train network. Passengers on the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines will face bus replacements at various times, with the biggest disruptions expected in January and February. From 14 January to early March, the ramp from McGregor Road onto the Princes Freeway will be closed for upgrades. Additionally, the Hurstbridge line will be impacted by bus replacements from February to March as works continue on the North East Link and Suburban Rail Loop.
During the Australian Open in January, there will be a temporary replacement of trains on sections of the Sunbury and Cranbourne lines, with passengers being diverted through Caulfield Station. These disruptions are essential to the overall improvement of Melbourne’s transport network, but they are likely to cause significant inconvenience during peak travel periods.
Level Crossing Removal and Roadwork Blitzes
As part of the ongoing Metro Tunnel and suburban rail works, there will also be a series of level crossing removal projects across Melbourne. In January, a construction blitz will take place in Melton, where four level crossings will be removed, and the new Melton Station will be constructed. Watsons Road in Diggers Rest will remain closed until late 2025 due to the construction of a new road bridge, further complicating travel in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
In addition, the North East Link tunnelling project continues to advance with two tunnel boring machines making their way through the earth from Watsonia to Bulleen. The full completion of the North East Link will help ease congestion in Melbourne’s north and east, but commuters should remain mindful of temporary disruptions during construction.
Regional Victoria: Affected Travel Routes
It’s not just Melbourne’s inner city that will experience disruptions. Regional commuters will also see bus replacements on several lines over the summer, including sections of the Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill, and Shepparton lines. These changes are part of broader efforts to improve Victoria’s rail network and remove level crossings across regional areas.
Planning Ahead for Major Disruptions
With these large-scale construction projects set to affect both road and rail travel throughout Melbourne and beyond, it’s essential to plan your journey ahead of time. While the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel will eventually provide long-term benefits, including faster travel times and reduced congestion, the short-term disruptions will require patience and flexibility.
For motorists, alternate routes should be considered, especially when travelling through the CBD or the west. Rail commuters should regularly check for updates on bus replacements and rail line closures. If you’re travelling during peak holiday times, it’s wise to allow extra time for potential delays caused by roadwork or train disruptions.
Looking Ahead: A Better-Connected Melbourne
While the disruptions of 2025 might seem overwhelming, they are all part of a bigger picture. The Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel projects are key to improving Melbourne’s infrastructure, reducing congestion, and enhancing the city’s overall transport network. Although it may take time to adjust to these changes, the end result will be a more efficient and well-connected city for everyone. So, plan ahead, stay informed, and make the most of these essential upgrades that will pave the way for a smoother and faster Melbourne commute in the near future.