Eastern Freeway Reopens Monday Morning; New Disruptions for Ballarat Road

Eastern Freeway Reopens Following Mega Lift Operation

Commuters heading into the city from the eastern suburbs can expect the Eastern Freeway to be fully operational by 5:00 AM this Monday, March 30. The major thoroughfare was closed in both directions over the weekend between Bulleen Road and Doncaster Road to facilitate the "Mega Lift"—a critical phase of the North East Link project. During this window, engineering crews used two 800-tonne cranes to install 12 massive steel beams, weighing a combined 1,080 tonnes, which will form the foundation for new elevated ramps connecting to the future North East Link tunnels.

While the freeway has reopened, drivers should remain cautious as traffic conditions have permanently changed. Between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road, citybound lanes remain split into two sections under new concrete structures. This configuration is expected to stay in place until late 2026. Additionally, the Springvale Road citybound entry ramp, which was closed for widening works and barrier installation, is also scheduled to return to service early Monday morning. Despite the reopening, transport authorities warn of potential residual delays of up to 60 minutes during the morning peak as traffic volumes stabilize across the network.

Western Suburbs: New Ballarat Road Closure

In the western suburbs, a significant new disruption begins today that will impact local travel. Ballarat Road in Maidstone will be closed in both directions between Irving Court and Short Street for essential asphalt resurfacing. This closure is scheduled to last from Monday morning through Tuesday, March 31. Motorists are advised to plan for extra travel time and avoid the area during peak periods. Recommended detours include:

• Sunshine Road
• Ashley Street
• Churchill Avenue
• Geelong Street
• Gordon Street and the Princes Highway

There is some relief for Kensington commuters, however, as the Princes Highway eastbound lanes between Lynchs Bridge and Hobson Road have successfully reopened following their scheduled resurfacing over the weekend. Similarly, night works on the Western Ring Road near Fitzgerald Road are concluding, with all lanes expected to be clear for the morning rush.

Public Transport: Metro Tunnel Operations

Melbourne’s rail network continues to operate under the "Big Switch" timetable following the full integration of the Metro Tunnel earlier this year. Passengers on the Sunbury, Pakenham, and Cranbourne lines are reminded that their services now run exclusively through the new underground corridor, providing direct access to the five new stations: Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac. Frankston Line passengers should note that their services continue to run via the City Loop as per the permanent timetable change.

No major unplanned alerts have been issued for Monday morning, but commuters are encouraged to check live platform displays as the network manages its first peak period following the weekend’s major freeway works. The West Gate Tunnel also remains fully operational, offering a reliable second river crossing for those travelling between the inner west and the CBD.