CityLink Closures and Werribee Line Rail Replacements: Melbourne Commute Update for Wednesday, 25 March

Mid-Week Traffic and Public Transport Overview

Commuters across Melbourne should prepare for a mix of evening road closures and rail disruptions this Wednesday, 25 March 2026. While peak-hour travel is expected to remain largely stable on major arteries, several significant maintenance projects will impact late-night travel and specific local routes. Residents in the inner-north and western suburbs, in particular, should check their routes before heading out after sunset.

Major Roadworks and Night Closures

Several key road projects are reaching critical stages this week, requiring overnight closures to ensure safety and infrastructure longevity:

• CityLink M1 Outbound: A total closure of the M1 outbound lanes after the Burnley Street exit ramp will take place tonight from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. This is part of a major resurfacing program. Motorists are advised to exit at Burnley Street, turn right onto Barkley Avenue, and re-enter CityLink via the Yarra Boulevard on-ramp.
• Kensington and North Melbourne: Road safety camera sensor works will trigger a full westbound closure at the intersection of Macaulay Road and Stubbs Street starting tonight at 9:00 PM. Access will be restricted until 5:00 AM.
• Clyde Five Ways Road: Resurfacing works in the southeast will see lanes closed in both directions between Patterson Road and Waterman Drive from 7:00 PM tonight. Detours are in place via Ballarto Road and the Princes Freeway.
• Murray Road, Preston: Eastbound lanes between Kathleen Street and Liberty Parade remain closed overnight until 5:00 AM for asphalt works.
• Eastern Freeway: While the freeway remains open today, lane-splitting is in effect between Doncaster and Bulleen roads due to North East Link construction. Commuters should prepare for a massive full closure of this section starting this Friday night.

Public Transport Alerts

With the Metro Tunnel now fully operational and serving the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines, the city's rail network has seen significant shifts. However, maintenance on older segments continues:

• Werribee and Williamstown Lines: Buses will replace trains tonight from 8:00 PM until the last service. This is the final night of a three-day maintenance window. Passengers should allow an additional 30 minutes of travel time.
• Frankston Line: Commuters are reminded that temporary timetables remain in effect as part of the ongoing level crossing removal projects. Trains are currently running through the City Loop following the "Big Switch" earlier this year.
• Tram Network: Normal services are expected across most of the CBD, though minor delays may occur near the Arts Precinct due to local drainage works.

Commuter Advice

With the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in full swing, city traffic may be heavier than usual around Southbank and the CBD during the early evening. If you are planning to attend festival events or the Comedy Festival previews tonight, consider using the Metro Tunnel stations at Town Hall or State Library for direct access to the heart of the city. For those driving, ensure you clear the CityLink outbound corridor before 8:00 PM to avoid the Burnley detour.