Significant Overnight Closures on Tullamarine Freeway and Ongoing Eastern Freeway Delays

Significant Overnight Closures on Tullamarine Freeway and Ongoing Eastern Freeway Delays

Commuters and travelers heading to Melbourne Airport tonight should prepare for major disruptions as a series of significant overnight closures begin on the Tullamarine Freeway. While daytime traffic is expected to remain steady, several key projects across the city will impact late-evening and early-morning travel this Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

Tullamarine Freeway Overnight Shutdown

The most critical alert for Tuesday evening involves the Tullamarine Freeway. Starting at 10:00 PM tonight, the freeway will be closed in both directions between Mickleham Road and Sunbury Road. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 AM on Wednesday, 18 February.

• Traffic Impact: Airport-bound and city-bound drivers will be diverted via Sharps Road and Airport Drive.
• Travel Advice: If you have an early morning flight or are picking up passengers late tonight, allow at least an extra 20 to 30 minutes for your journey to account for the detours.

Eastern Freeway and North East Link Works

Major works continue as part of the North East Link Project, primarily affecting the Eastern Freeway. Motorists should be aware of the following ongoing disruptions that may affect the Tuesday afternoon peak:

• Bulleen Road: The citybound exit ramp remains closed 24/7 as crews work on the new shared path underpass and noise walls. This closure is expected to last until mid-March, with delays of up to 20 minutes during peak hours.
• Lane Splits: Between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road, city-bound lanes have been split into two sections under new concrete structures. Speed limits are reduced, and drivers are urged to stay in their lanes through this zone to maintain steady flow.

CityLink and West Gate Tunnel Maintenance

Routine maintenance and cleaning will affect travel through Melbourne’s tunnel network tonight, potentially slowing down the late-night commute:

• West Gate Tunnels: Up to two lanes will be closed in both the Bundawanh and Eureka tunnels from 9:00 PM tonight until 5:00 AM Wednesday. A reduced speed limit of 40km/h will apply near work zones.
• CityLink: The citybound exit ramp onto Yarra Boulevard will be closed from 8:00 PM tonight for resurfacing works. Additionally, inbound traffic on CityLink between Toorak Road and Glenferrie Road will be reduced to a single lane overnight.

Public Transport: Tram and Train Alerts

For those utilizing the public transport network, several renewals and project-related changes are currently underway:

• Tram Routes 30, 86, and 96: Renewal works at the intersection of Bourke and Spencer Streets are ongoing. Service alterations are in place through 25 February, so commuters should check for revised stop locations and minor delays.
• Train Services: Timetable changes remain in effect for the Werribee and Frankston lines. While services are running, passengers are encouraged to use the PTV app to confirm departure times as temporary schedules are being utilized during infrastructure upgrades.