Bulleen Road Ramp Closure and Eastern Freeway Lane Splits Headline Friday Commute

Morning Commute Overview for Friday, 13 March

Melbourne commuters are advised to prepare for a complex Friday morning as major infrastructure projects continue to reshape the city’s arterial network. While the 2026 Australian Grand Prix concluded last weekend, the focus shifts back to significant long-term construction as part of the North East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop projects. Drivers on the Eastern Freeway and those navigating the Burwood area should allow for extra travel time this morning due to changed traffic conditions.

Major Road and Construction Disruptions

The most significant impact today remains on the Eastern Freeway. As part of the North East Link upgrades, the citybound lanes between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road have been split into two sections. While all lanes continue toward the city, the split requires drivers to choose their lane early and maintain a reduced speed. Commuters are warned not to attempt lane changes once within the split sections to ensure safety and flow.

• Bulleen Road: The citybound exit ramp from the Eastern Freeway remains closed for 24/7 works. This closure is expected to continue until mid-March as crews finalize a new shared path underpass and noise walls. Delays of up to 20 minutes are expected during peak periods.
• Burwood Highway: Westbound lane closures are in effect between McIntyre Street and Gillard Street. These works are part of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project and are scheduled to continue through late March.
• Burwood Local Access: McComas Grove is closed to through traffic between Coppard Street and Sinnott Street for service relocation works. Residents and local workers should expect low-to-medium noise levels and use alternate local routes.
• CityLink: The Gibdon Street entry ramp onto CityLink inbound is currently open, as overnight resurfacing works are paused for the Friday and Saturday night period.

Public Transport Alerts

Public transport users are encouraged to utilize the Metro Tunnel, which is now fully operational and providing direct connections through the new Anzac, Town Hall, and State Library stations. This has significantly reduced pressure on the City Loop for the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines.

• Frankston and Werribee Lines: Both lines are currently operating under temporary timetables. For Frankston line commuters, these changes are expected to remain in place until mid-2026 to facilitate ongoing level crossing removal projects.
• Lilydale and Pakenham Lines: Minor delays have been reported this morning due to scheduled maintenance and signal works; passengers should allow for an additional 5 to 10 minutes of travel time.
• Sandringham Line: A travel alert remains in place for this line; passengers are encouraged to check the PTV mobile app for real-time service adjustments before heading to the platform.

Motorists are reminded that speed limits have been reduced across sections of the Eastern Freeway and M80 Ring Road until 2028. Drive safely and stay alert for changed signage throughout the morning peak.