City Update: Critical Transit Maintenance and Road Closures for March 18

Transport: Major Night-Time Rail Disruptions

Commuters utilizing the Frankston, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines are advised of significant service changes effective tonight, Wednesday, 18 March. Due to critical maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, buses will replace trains from 8:00 PM until the final service of the evening. This disruption includes the Metro Tunnel corridor, with no trains running through Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, or Anzac stations. To assist passengers, shuttle bus services will operate from North Melbourne to connect with Parkville and Arden. Travelers heading beyond Caulfield are encouraged to use Lilydale, Belgrave, or Glen Waverley services to Burnley, where express buses will facilitate connections to the southeastern lines.

Road Access: CBD and Freeway Updates

Public works and the North East Link Project continue to impact several high-traffic areas in and around the city. Drivers should be aware of the following active notices for Wednesday:

• Little Lonsdale Street: A full road closure is in effect nightly between Russell Street and Swanston Street. These works occur from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM, focusing on essential service proving. Pedestrian access remains restricted near active machinery, and local diversions are in place.
• Bulleen Road Exit Ramp: The citybound exit ramp from the Eastern Freeway remains closed 24/7. This closure is necessary for the construction of new noise walls and a shared path underpass as part of the freeway upgrade. Motorists should anticipate delays of approximately 20 minutes and are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
• Flinders Street Footpath: In the southern CBD, the footpath on Flinders Street adjacent to the Federation Square site remains closed due to ongoing Town Hall Station construction. Pedestrians are diverted through the main Federation Square plaza to bypass the work zone.

Governance: Road Management Plan Notice

The City of Boroondara has formally issued a public notice regarding amendments to its Road Management Plan, as recorded in the Victoria Government Gazette. The updated plan outlines revised standards for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of the municipal road network. These amendments aim to enhance safety protocols and response times for road hazards across the region. The full document is available for public inspection at the council’s planning office and via the official gazette records.

Public Health: Multicultural Health Survey Participation

Victorian health authorities are highlighting the ongoing Victorian Multicultural Health Survey, which remains open for public participation this week. Supported by the newly expanded Multicultural Health Advisory Committee, the survey seeks to identify gaps in healthcare access and information for diverse communities. Feedback collected will directly inform the implementation of the 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, ensuring that future state health services are equitable and culturally responsive to all residents.