Official City Roundup: Health Alerts and Weekend Infrastructure Updates

Health Advisory: Increased Measles Risk in Metropolitan Melbourne

The Victorian Department of Health has issued an urgent public health advisory following an increase in measles cases across the state, with a high risk identified in metropolitan Melbourne. Officials have confirmed community transmission among individuals who have not recently traveled overseas. Residents are urged to be vigilant as the virus is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications.

• Symptoms: Monitor for fever, cough, runny nose, and red or sore eyes. These symptoms are typically followed by a red, blotchy rash beginning on the face and spreading down the body.
• Action Required: If symptoms develop, residents should seek medical attention immediately. It is critical to call the medical facility ahead of time to ensure appropriate infection control measures are in place.
• Vaccination: Free Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines are available for adults born during or after 1966 who are unsure of their vaccination status. These can be accessed through local GPs, pharmacies, and council immunisation clinics.

Transport: Major Rail and Road Disruptions

Public service announcements have been released regarding significant network disruptions beginning Friday, 13 March 2026. Commuters and motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid significant delays.

• Belgrave Line: From 10:30 PM tonight, Friday 13 March, buses will replace trains between Ringwood and Belgrave. This disruption will continue through the weekend. Please note that bicycles are not permitted on replacement buses unless they are of the folding variety and stored in a bag.
• Bulleen Road Exit: The city-bound exit ramp from the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen Road remains closed as part of the North East Link project. Delays of approximately 20 minutes are expected. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until mid-March.
• Eastern Freeway Conditions: City-bound lanes between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road have been split into two sections due to ongoing bridge works. Motorists must follow reduced speed limits and avoid unnecessary lane changes in this zone.

Environmental Notice: Air Quality and Monitoring

EPA Victoria has released the daily air quality forecast for Friday. The general air quality for the Melbourne region is expected to remain "GOOD" throughout the day, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

However, the agency noted that the Melton monitoring station has been offline for routine maintenance of its O3 (ozone) sensors. Technicians are currently on-site, and the station is expected to return to full operation with live data reporting by 5:00 PM this evening. Other regional sites, including Dandenong and Altona, are reporting normal functionality following their own scheduled maintenance earlier this week.

Community Notice: Post-Moomba Precinct Restoration

Following the conclusion of the 2026 Moomba Festival on Monday, the City of Melbourne is in the final stages of restoring the Birrarung Marr and Yarra River precincts. While the majority of parklands have reopened to the public, residents are advised that minor fencing and equipment may still be present as carnival infrastructure is demobilised. Public access to some riverside paths may be briefly diverted today to ensure the safety of workers and pedestrians. Full precinct restoration is expected by the end of the weekend.