Public Notice: Major Eastern Freeway Closure and Local Infrastructure Upgrades

Significant Transport Alert: Eastern Freeway Full Closure

The Department of Transport and Planning has issued a high-priority advisory for all motorists and commuters regarding the Eastern Freeway. As part of the ongoing North East Link Project, the Eastern Freeway will be closed in both directions between Bulleen Road and Doncaster Road starting at 10:00 PM on Friday, 27 March 2026. This closure is required to facilitate the installation of massive steel beams, weighing nearly 1,080 tonnes, which will form the foundation for new elevated ramps connecting to the future North East Link tunnels.

Major delays of up to 60 minutes are anticipated throughout the weekend. Motorists travelling toward the city are advised to detour via Doncaster Road, Burke Road, and the Bulleen Road citybound entry ramp. Those heading outbound should utilize Manningham Road and Williamsons Road. To assist with traffic flow, temporary parking restrictions are in place along detour routes, and motorists are permitted to use the bus lanes on Manningham Road in both directions. Public transport users should note that bus routes 906, 907, and 908 will be subject to detours and temporary stop closures.

City of Melbourne: Local Road and Bike Lane Works

The City of Melbourne confirms that today, Friday, 27 March, marks the final day of scheduled bike lane infrastructure works on Macaulay Road. Maintenance and installation activities between Boundary Road and Langford Street will be active from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. While the road remains partially open, cyclists and drivers are urged to exercise caution and follow on-site signage during these final hours of construction. Additionally, road safety monitoring remains active across Kensington and North Melbourne following recent traffic volume increases in the precinct.

Western Roads Upgrade: Williamstown Road Maintenance

Maintenance works under the Western Roads Upgrade program are active today in Melbourne's west. Williamstown Road in Newport is closed in both directions between Macindoe Court and Ross Street for essential asphalt resurfacing. This project is scheduled to run through the weekend. Heavy vehicle and local traffic detours are currently in operation via Grieve Parade, the West Gate Freeway, and Kororoit Creek Road. Residents are advised that these works are being conducted to improve long-term road safety and surface durability.

Public Service Announcement: Transit Network Operations

Following the 'Big Switch' to the Metro Tunnel rail network earlier this year, authorities continue to monitor patronage and station operations. Commuters are reminded that all Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham line services now run exclusively through the Metro Tunnel. Furthermore, preliminary works for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link are currently underway near Sunshine Station, with no immediate disruptions to the main metropolitan line expected for this Friday, though commuters should remain alert for future site-specific notices.