Major Western Suburbs Road Closures and CBD Works: Commuter Alert for Thursday, 26 March

Morning Commute Update for Thursday, 26 March 2026

Good morning, Melbourne. Commuters are advised to plan for significant changes on the roads today as several major asphalt resurfacing and infrastructure projects enter new phases. While the metropolitan rail network is largely operating with a good service this morning, motorists in the western suburbs and the CBD will face new detours and overnight closures starting today.

Major Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions

The most significant disruption beginning today is in Newport. Motorists should prepare for the full closure of Williamstown Road (Melbourne Road) between Macindoe Court and Ross Street. This closure is in effect in both directions for asphalt resurfacing and is scheduled to continue through to Sunday, 29 March. Recommended detours include using Grieve Parade, the West Gate Freeway, or Kororoit Creek Road.

• Clyde: Clyde Five Ways Road will experience lane closures in both directions between Waterman Drive and Oroya Grove. These works are scheduled from 7:00 PM tonight until 5:00 AM Friday morning. Drivers should detour via Ballarto Road and the Princes Freeway.
• CityLink: The Racecourse Road off-ramp from CityLink in Flemington will be closed tonight from 7:30 PM to 5:00 AM. Commuters are advised to use the Tullamarine Freeway or Moreland Road as alternatives.
• Derrimut: Lane closures remain in place on the Western Ring Road (M80) northbound near Fitzgerald Road during the night hours (9:00 PM to 5:00 AM) for ongoing maintenance.

CBD and Inner-City Impacts

In the heart of the city, La Trobe Street remains a primary focus for roadworks. There is a full eastbound road closure and a northern footpath closure between Russell Street and Swanston Street scheduled for tonight from 8:00 PM. Additionally, night works continue at the intersection of Swanston Street and Lonsdale Street with roadway construction between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Public Transport and Rail Status

There is positive news for commuters on the Werribee and Williamstown lines. Following three nights of bus replacements earlier this week, full train services have resumed today. Most other metropolitan lines are reporting a good service for the morning peak.

• V/Line Updates: Passengers on the Bendigo, Epsom, and Eaglehawk lines should note that temporary timetables remain in place until 31 March. Some city-bound services are departing up to seven minutes earlier than usual.
• Bus Services: Several bus stops along the Eastern Freeway corridor may have minor pedestrian access changes as crews prepare for upcoming weekend bridge works.

Looking Ahead: Weekend Warning

While today is manageable for most, we remind commuters that a massive closure of the Eastern Freeway is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Friday, 27 March, at 10:00 PM. The freeway will be closed in both directions between Bulleen and Doncaster roads for the installation of massive steel beams as part of the North East Link project. Expect delays of up to 60 minutes if traveling in that area over the coming weekend.