CityLink Closures and Melbourne Airport Delays Scheduled for Tuesday, March 24

Tuesday Morning Commute and Roadwork Overview

Commuters heading into the city this Tuesday morning can expect a relatively clear start on the major freeways following the reopening of the CityLink M2 outbound. The overnight maintenance between the West Gate Freeway and Mount Alexander Road is scheduled to conclude at 5:00 AM, restoring full capacity for the early morning rush. However, travelers heading toward Melbourne Airport and those moving through the northern and southeastern suburbs should prepare for specific disruptions and lane closures that will take effect throughout the day.

Major Freeway and Artery Disruptions

Significant works continue across the metropolitan network as part of the autumn road maintenance and infrastructure program. Motorists should be aware of the following specific closures and lane reductions for Tuesday, March 24:

• CityLink M1 Outbound: A full closure of the outbound lanes after the Burnley Street exit ramp will take effect tonight starting at 8:00 PM. This closure, required for essential resurfacing, will remain in place until 5:00 AM Wednesday. A minor detour is available via Barkley Avenue to rejoin CityLink at the Yarra Boulevard on-ramp.
• Melbourne Airport Access: Construction on the Naarm Way Stage 2 project will impact Terminal Drive and Arrival Drive. While early morning carriageway closures conclude by 7:00 AM, a single lane closure is scheduled on Arrival Drive between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM today. Travelers are advised to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes when heading to the terminals to account for these changes.
• Racecourse Road Off-Ramp: The off-ramp from CityLink at Flemington remains closed from 7:30 PM tonight for asphalt works. Detours are in place via the Tullamarine Freeway and Moreland Road.
• Suburban Roadworks: In Preston, Murray Road eastbound will be closed between Kathleen Street and Liberty Parade from 8:00 PM. In the southeast, the final scheduled night of resurfacing on Springvale Road southbound between Heatherton Road and Elizabeth Avenue begins at 9:00 PM.

Public Transport and Rail Status

The metropolitan rail network is largely operational today, though some lines remain under temporary timetables. The Frankston and Werribee lines are operating with modified schedules due to long-term project integrations and station upgrades. While the Metro Tunnel is now a core part of the cross-city commute for the Sunbury, Pakenham, and Cranbourne lines, passengers on the Craigieburn line are encouraged to check for minor delays, as recent performance data indicates occasional congestion during peak hours. In Kensington, drainage works on Stubbs Street near the intersection of Macaulay Road are active between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, which may cause minor delays for local bus services and pedestrians.

Commuter Strategy

For those traveling during the evening peak, the 8:00 PM start for works on the M1 outbound means congestion may build earlier than usual near the Burnley Tunnel. Drivers should consider using the Monash Freeway local exits or alternative routes such as the Eastern Freeway if heading toward the outer eastern suburbs. As always, stay alert for electronic signage and reduced speed limits in construction zones to ensure the safety of road crews and fellow commuters.