Free Commutes Today: Major Closures on Docklands Highway and Hampton Street

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Melbourne. For Wednesday, 1 April 2026, commuters are being treated to a major incentive as the state's free public transport month officially begins. However, those opting to drive should be prepared for significant roadworks and detours, particularly in the western and inner-southern suburbs where asphalt resurfacing projects are hitting critical stages.

Major Roadworks and Closures

Several arterial roads are seeing significant disruptions today as part of the 2025-26 maintenance program. Drivers are advised to check their routes before heading out:

• Docklands Highway, Brooklyn: The highway is closed in both directions between Geelong Road and Cemetery Road for major asphalt resurfacing. This closure remains in place until the end of the day. A detour is available via Millers Road, Geelong Road, and the West Gate Freeway.
• Hampton Street, Brighton: Nightly resurfacing works continue. All lanes will be closed in both directions between Beach Road and Little Wood Street from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. If you are traveling late, please detour via South Road, Bluff Road, and Bay Road.
• Westernport Road, Heath Hill: Expect daytime lane closures between Phillips Road and Mount Lyall Road as rehabilitation works continue through late April.

Public Transport Alert: Free Travel for April

Starting today, Tuesday 31 March, and continuing through Thursday 30 April 2026, all public transport across Victoria is free. This includes all Melbourne trains, trams, and buses, as well as V/Line services. You do not need to tap on with your Myki; however, if you do, you will not be charged. This initiative follows the full integration of the Metro Tunnel, which is now operating at peak capacity for the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines.

Airport and Freeway Updates

If you are heading to Melbourne Airport today, please allow for extra travel time. The Naarm Way Stage 2 project is causing disruptions on Arrival Drive. Triple lane closures are scheduled from 11:00 PM tonight into the early hours of tomorrow morning. Additionally, access to several parking levels remains restricted due to ongoing lift upgrades.

On the Eastern Freeway, while the major weekend closure between Bulleen Road and Doncaster Road has concluded, heavy traffic is still expected on local feeder roads like Manningham Road and Tram Road as construction for the North East Link project ramps up for the next phase of flyover installations.

V/Line and Regional Notices

Regional commuters on the Ballarat and Bendigo lines should remain aware of nightly maintenance. In particular, bridge works at Pyramid Hill will involve nightly activity from 9:00 PM, which may impact late-evening coach transfers. Most V/Line services are expected to run to a normal weekday timetable today, albeit under the free travel scheme.