Significant Delays Predicted on Eastern Freeway Following Weekend Construction

Morning Commute Overview for Monday, 9 February 2026

Good morning, Melbourne. Commuters are advised to brace for a challenging start to the work week this Monday, 9 February 2026. While several major road closures are scheduled to wrap up in the early hours of the morning, the scale of recent works means that residual congestion and changed traffic conditions will likely impact your travel time across the city.

Major Arterial Disruptions: Eastern Freeway and North East Link

The most significant impact today is expected on the Eastern Freeway. Following a full weekend closure for the North East Link project, citybound lanes between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road are scheduled to reopen at 5:00 AM. However, the Department of Transport warns that commuters should still expect significant delays of up to 60 minutes during the morning peak as traffic adjusts to the new lane configurations.

• Citybound lanes are now split into two sections under new concrete structures between Doncaster and Bulleen Roads.
• Speed limits have been reduced to 60km/h through the worksite for the foreseeable future.
• The Bulleen Road citybound exit ramp remains closed as part of long-term works scheduled through mid-March; drivers should use the Doncaster Road exit as an alternative.

Local Roadworks and Reopenings

Several other key routes are coming back online this morning after intensive weekend maintenance:

• Hoddle Street, South Yarra: Both directions between Toorak Road and Commercial Road are expected to reopen by 5:00 AM following essential asphalt resurfacing.
• Burwood Highway, Wantirna South: All eastbound lanes between Melbourne Street and Lewis Road remain closed until 6:00 AM. Commuters hitting the road early should detour via Stud Road and Boronia Road.
• Smith Street, Collingwood: Following the Victoria’s Pride Street Party, Smith Street has reopened to traffic as of 3:00 AM, though some minor parking restrictions may persist as event infrastructure is cleared.
• Princes Highway, Werribee: Be aware that nightly resurfacing begins tonight between Sneydes Road and Duncans Road from 8:00 PM, which may affect late-night return commutes.

Public Transport and Metro Tunnel Updates

The metropolitan rail network is operating under the new integrated timetable following the full opening of the Metro Tunnel. The Frankston Line has now officially returned to the City Loop, easing transfers for many southern-suburb commuters. While services are currently listed as running to a normal schedule, passengers on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines are encouraged to check for any service alerts following recent power-related disruptions on the network. Most bus routes impacted by the Eastern Freeway works over the weekend, including the 906, 907, and 908, have returned to their normal routes as of 5:00 AM.

Commuter Advice

If you usually rely on the Eastern Freeway, consider using High Street or the Maroondah Highway as alternative routes to avoid the heavy congestion expected near Bulleen. Allow at least an extra 30 to 45 minutes for your journey if you are traveling from the eastern suburbs into the CBD this morning.