Overnight Delays Expected in Burnley Tunnel and West Gate Corridors

Morning Commute Outlook

Melbourne commuters can expect relatively clear conditions across the major freeway network during the Thursday morning peak on February 12, 2026. While the morning rush is expected to follow typical patterns, significant long-term construction projects and overnight maintenance windows are currently impacting several key arteries. Drivers are advised to monitor overhead electronic signage, particularly near the West Gate Freeway and CityLink corridors, for any real-time adjustments to lane configurations.

Major Roadworks and Freeway Disruptions

Several major closures are in effect that will impact travel times, particularly for those traveling in the evening or through the inner west:

• Burnley Tunnel Maintenance: Tonight, Thursday, February 12, marks the final night of the current maintenance block in the Burnley Tunnel. Up to two lanes will be closed between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h is in place, and drivers should expect minor delays through the tunnel during these hours.
• CityLink Inbound Resurfacing: Preventative road resurfacing continues on the inbound section of CityLink between Toorak Road and Glenferrie Road. Work occurs between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM, reducing traffic to a single lane for approximately one to two kilometers.
• Wurundjeri Way Closure: A major closure remains in place on Wurundjeri Way between Dudley Street and Bourke Street. This is part of the second stage of the city bypass works and is expected to continue until early March. Detours are in place, but motorists should allow an additional 20 minutes for travel through this precinct.
• West Gate Freeway: Lane changes and resurfacing works are ongoing between Millers Road and the M80 Ring Road interchange. Motorists heading outbound toward Geelong or Ballarat should follow the overhead electronic signs to ensure they are in the correct lane prior to the interchange.

Arterial Road Alerts

Work on the broader arterial network may impact local travel tonight:

• Princes Highway: Lane closures are scheduled in both directions between Union Road and Beenak Road from 9:00 PM tonight until 5:00 AM Friday morning for essential maintenance.
• Mornington Peninsula Freeway: Resurfacing works continue westbound between Thompsons Road and Springvale Road. All westbound lanes will be closed overnight from 9:00 PM. Drivers are encouraged to use Thompsons Road or Frankston-Dandenong Road as alternatives.

Public Transport and Rail Services

While the rail network is largely operational during the day, there are several planned service changes to note for this evening:

• Werribee Line: Commuters are reminded that buses will replace trains from 8:30 PM until the last service tonight as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
• Frankston Line: A temporary timetable remains in effect as crews continue level crossing removal works at McDonald Street and Station Street. Passengers should allow extra travel time for their journeys.
• Metro Tunnel: Services are operating through the Metro Tunnel, providing frequent connections between the southeast and the inner west. No major disruptions are currently reported for peak-hour services.

Commuters are encouraged to check for any last-minute unplanned disruptions before heading to the station or departing for the evening commute.