Evening Train Replacements and Eastern Freeway Delays for Wednesday 18 March

Melbourne Commute Update: Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Good morning, Melbourne. As we move into the middle of the work week, commuters should prepare for significant evening disruptions on the rail network and ongoing construction-related delays on major arterial roads. Whether you are traveling by train or taking the freeway, planning ahead and allowing extra travel time is essential for a smooth journey today.

Public Transport: Evening Bus Replacements

Major disruptions are scheduled for the evening commute across several key rail lines as maintenance and testing continue within the Metro Tunnel infrastructure. These changes will specifically impact those traveling after 8:00 PM.

• Frankston, Cranbourne, and Pakenham Lines: From 8:00 PM until the last service tonight, buses will replace trains between Parliament and Caulfield. During this window, no trains will run through the Metro Tunnel stations, including Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac. Passengers are advised to change trains within the city to continue through to the Sunbury Line.
• Gippsland Line: V/Line passengers traveling to and from the city will face similar evening changes. Starting from 8:30 PM, coaches will replace evening trains between Southern Cross and East Pakenham. Commuters should allow at least an additional 60 minutes for their total travel time.
• Regional Coach Services: Travelers in the state's north-west should note that the 5:48 AM Sea Lake to Bendigo coach will not service Birchip this morning due to local road closures. Services are anticipated to resume by this afternoon.

Roadworks and Freeway Conditions

Major infrastructure projects, including the North East Link, continue to impact traffic flow. Drivers should be particularly mindful of the following areas:

• Eastern Freeway (North East Link): City-bound lanes between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road remain split into two separate sections to accommodate the establishment of a major middle-freeway worksite. While all lanes remain open, speed limits are significantly reduced. Motorists are urged to avoid lane changes through this zone for the safety of onsite crews.
• Bulleen Road: Commuters using the Bulleen Road city-bound exit ramp should expect delays of approximately 20 minutes. Critical 24/7 works are still active in this area as part of the new interchange construction.
• Westernport Road, Heath Hill: Road rehabilitation works will cause lane closures throughout the day between Phillips Road and Mount Lyall Road. Traffic management is in place, and minor delays are expected during peak periods.

Commuter Advice

For those relying on public transport tonight, check your updated departure times before leaving the office. Drivers should remain patient through the Eastern Freeway construction corridor and keep a sharp eye out for updated electronic signage. Stay safe on the roads and rails today, Melbourne.