Major Tunnel and Freeway Closures for Run for the Kids and North East Link Works

Significant Disruptions Expected Across Melbourne This Sunday

Commuters and residents are advised to prepare for a challenging day on Melbourne’s roads today, Sunday, 29 March 2026. A combination of the annual Run for the Kids event and major infrastructure works for the North East Link Project will result in several high-capacity arteries being closed for a significant portion of the day.

Run for the Kids: Major Freeway and Tunnel Closures

The Run for the Kids event will cause extensive closures on CityLink and the West Gate Freeway. Motorists should be aware of the following major impacts:

• Domain Tunnel: Closed in both directions until 12:30 PM today.
• West Gate Freeway (Outbound): The section from Montague Street to the Bolte Bridge is closed until 12:30 PM.
• Bolte Bridge (Inbound): Closed from Footscray Road to the West Gate Freeway until 1:00 PM.
• Batman Avenue: Inbound lanes from the Swan Street Bridge to the Monash Freeway are closed until 1:00 PM.
• Exit Ramps: West Gate Freeway eastbound exit ramps onto Kings Way and Montague Street are closed until 11:30 AM.

Drivers are urged to avoid the southwestern edge of the CBD and use the West Gate Bridge with caution, as heavy congestion is expected on detour routes.

Eastern Freeway Total Shutdown

In the east, the Eastern Freeway remains completely closed in both directions between Bulleen Road and Doncaster Road. This closure is part of the North East Link Project and will remain in place until 5:00 AM Monday morning. Heavy delays of up to 60 minutes are expected on surrounding roads, including Doncaster Road, Manningham Road, and Middleborough Road. If you are traveling between the city and the outer eastern suburbs, consider using the Maroondah Highway or High Street as alternatives.

Public Transport and Local Roadworks

While the Metro Tunnel is fully operational and providing high-frequency services through the CBD, surface transport will face hurdles today. Extra train services are running to Southern Cross Station for event participants, but the tram network is heavily impacted. Routes 11, 12, 30, 35, 48, 58, 70, 75, 86, 96, and 109 are currently experiencing diversions or service breaks due to road closures in the Docklands and CBD areas.

For regional commuters, please note that V/Line maintenance will see coaches replace evening trains on the Ballarat and Ararat lines starting from 7:30 PM tonight. Locally, resurfacing works have closed Hampton Street in Brighton between Beach Road and Little Wood Street, while Nicholson Street will begin a southbound closure between Spring Street and Albert Street starting at 7:00 PM this evening.

Commuter Advice

If you are heading into the city, the train is your most reliable option today. For those who must drive, allow at least an extra hour of travel time if your route involves the Eastern Freeway or the West Gate corridor.