Public Notice: Major Roadworks and International Festival Preparations

Official City Roundup: Tuesday, 24 March 2026

The City of Melbourne and Victorian transport authorities have issued the following public notices and service announcements for Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Residents and commuters are advised to review these updates to minimize travel disruptions and prepare for upcoming major city events.

Public Spaces: International Festival Set-Up

Preparation is reaching its final stages today for two of Melbourne’s premier annual events. The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is currently completing its transformation of the heritage-listed Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building. While the show officially opens tomorrow, Wednesday, 25 March, visitors to the precinct today should expect restricted pedestrian access and increased heavy vehicle movements as show gardens are finalized.

Simultaneously, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival begins its 40th-anniversary season tomorrow. Increased activity is expected around the Melbourne Town Hall and CBD theatre districts today as technical rehearsals and site installations conclude. Local residents are reminded that high-pedestrian zones will be in effect across the central city starting tomorrow evening.

Traffic Alert: Overnight Road Resurfacing

Transport Victoria has scheduled essential asphalt resurfacing works for this evening. Commuters should be aware of the following closures:

• Murray Road, Preston: All eastbound lanes will be closed between Kathleen Street and Liberty Parade from 8:00 pm tonight, 24 March, until 5:00 am tomorrow morning. Detours will be in place.
• Western Ring Road, Derrimut: Nightly lane closures continue on the northbound lanes near Fitzgerald Road between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. The Fitzgerald Road on-ramp remains closed during these hours, with detours via the Western Freeway.
• Eastern Freeway: Ongoing works for the North East Link Program continue to impact citybound traffic near Bulleen Road. Speed reductions remain in effect.

Infrastructure: Princes Bridge Renewal

Stage 3 of the Princes Bridge renewal project remains active on the Yarra River. Navigational notices issued by Parks Victoria confirm that the northern arch of the bridge is currently operating with reduced width and height. Vessels with an air draft exceeding 3.5 meters are advised to avoid the northern arch during periods of high river levels. These works are part of an ongoing commitment to preserve the historic bluestone structure.

Public Transport Reminder: The Metro Tunnel

Commuters are reminded that following the successful implementation of the "Big Switch," the Metro Tunnel is now in full service. The Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines continue to run exclusively through the new underground stations at Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac. Passengers are encouraged to use the updated mobile applications for real-time timetable adjustments as the network settles into the autumn schedule.