Morning Commute: West Gate Freeway Reopens After Night Works and New V/Line Timetables Begin

Morning Arterial Overview

Melbourne commuters can expect a relatively stable start to Thursday, 19 March 2026, following the reopening of several major arterial sections that were closed for overnight maintenance. While the most significant disruptions concluded in the early hours of the morning, residual congestion is expected during the peak period, particularly for those travelling from the western suburbs and those utilizing the Eastern Freeway corridor.

West Gate Freeway and CityLink Updates

The West Gate Freeway outbound lanes between the West Gate Bridge and the M80 interchange reopened at 5:00 am this morning. These lanes had been closed since 9:00 pm Wednesday night for essential corrective and preventative maintenance. While all lanes are now operational, motorists should be prepared for slow-moving traffic as the morning peak builds, particularly around the Millers Road and Grieves Parade interchanges where recent works have altered typical flow patterns.

Similarly, CityLink resurfacing works that took place overnight between the Burnley Tunnel and Toorak Road (outbound) and Glenferrie Road (inbound) have concluded for the night. All lanes are back in service, but drivers are reminded that these resurfacing projects are ongoing. Future overnight closures are scheduled, so late-night commuters should continue to monitor daily schedules.

Eastern Freeway and North East Link Progress

Travelers on the Eastern Freeway continue to navigate significant changes due to the North East Link project. Between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road, city-bound lanes remain split into two sections under new concrete structures. This configuration will be in place for the remainder of the year. Commuters are advised to avoid lane changes within this zone and adhere strictly to the reduced speed limits, which remain in place for worker safety. Minor delays are expected during the 7:00 am to 9:00 am window.

Public Transport: New V/Line Schedules

Today marks the commencement of several service changes for regional commuters. On the Swan Hill line, coaches replacing trains between Swan Hill and Bendigo will now depart earlier than previously scheduled. These adjustments are expected to last through late March. Additionally, all Bendigo, Epsom, and Eaglehawk trains heading toward the city are currently departing up to seven minutes earlier than their standard timetable. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest temporary timetables before heading to the station.

Metro Trains and Regional Station Access

• Werribee and Frankston Lines: Temporary timetables remain in effect as part of long-term infrastructure upgrades. These changes are designed to accommodate the integration of new technology and improved signalling.
• Caroline Springs Station: Commuters using this station should be aware of ongoing changes to pedestrian access and car park availability due to the Melton Line Upgrade.
• Westernport Road, Heath Hill: For those traveling toward the southeast, expect daytime lane closures and minor delays as road rehabilitation works continue between Phillips Road and Mount Lyall Road.

Commuter Advice

While the heavy overnight maintenance has concluded, the combination of long-term project speed reductions and new V/Line departure times means a 'buffer' of 10 to 15 minutes is recommended for most cross-city journeys this morning. Safe travels, Melbourne.