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Warrnambool train line
The road and public transport disruptions you need to know about this summer
Summer is here, and that can only mean one thing – a construction blitz on our transport networks.
A transport construction blitz over summer could cause delays for motorists, cyclists and commuters as multiple projects affect roads, trains and tram networks.
Freeway and road closures, changed traffic conditions, and train and tram replacements can see travel times impacted if you haven’t planned ahead.
Forewarned is forearmed, so whether you’re off to the city for New Year’s Eve celebrations, heading to Richmond for the Australian Open or jumping on a tram to the beach or exploring regional Victoria, make sure you check apps such as arevo and websites such as Victoria’s Big Build to help you avoid lengthy delays.
Here is a quick overview of the major road and public transport projects happening across Victoria this summer and how they may impact your travel plans.
Metro road and rail works
St Kilda Road
To realign the existing tram tracks with the new tram stop at Anzac Station, part of the Metro Tunnel Project, there will be lane closures on St Kilda Road from Sunday 27 November to Saturday 17 December.
Traffic impacts
- St Kilda Road northbound will be closed between Park Street and Toorak Road. Traffic will be diverted to Kings Way at Toorak Rd West. Motorists are being warned to expect delays of up to 20 minutes.
- Buses will replace nine St Kilda Road tram (3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 58, 64, 67 and 72) routes between the Arts Precinct and Commercial Road.
- Cyclists and pedestrians will be unable to cross St Kilda Road between Dorcas St and Toorak Road.
- The right turn lane from Park Street onto St Kilda Road southbound is closed until October 2023.
Monash Freeway
Stage 2 construction works on the Monash Freeway Upgrade commenced in early 2020 and are scheduled for completion at the end of 2022.
Traffic impacts
Motorists should expect delays on the Monash Freeway between Princes Hwy and South Gippsland Freeway in December as lane closures, speed reductions and overnight closures increase travel times along the arterial.
Keep up to date with the major road and rail works that may disrupt your journey this summer
Sunbury Road
Construction of a new 57-metre road bridge across Jacksons Creek will see Sunbury Road become safer and more reliable for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Sunbury Road will also be widened from two to four lanes between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest Road to improve traffic flow.
Traffic impacts
- Works on the new bridge commenced in October, with lane closures expected over the coming months, while motorists are being advised of lane closures between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest Road until late December.
Dynon Road
Tunnelling on the West Gate Tunnel project will see delays along Dynon Road for four weeks, starting late November, with train services also impacted.
Traffic impacts
- Dynon Road will be closed in both directions from Dryburgh Street to the inbound exit ramp from CityLink. Delays of up to 12 minutes are expected.
- Buses will also replace trains on parts of the Upfield and Craigieburn lines for 17 days.
Frankston train line
Commuters on the Frankston line should be prepared for a lengthier summer commute as works to remove a level crossing at Glen Huntly continue. A total of 67 dangerous and congested level crossings have been removed so far, with a further 43 slated for removal by 2030.
Commuter impacts
- Buses will replace trains on sections of the Frankston line – between Caulfield, Moorabbin and Mordialloc stations and Frankston and Stony Point stations – for six days from Tuesday 6 December during works to remove two level crossings in Glen Huntly.
- Express trains along the Frankston Line will be replaced with trains stopping at all stations from Monday 12 December until mid-2023.
- On-street parking will be closed between Neerim Road and Lord Street, in Glen Huntly, from Monday 28 November to Thursday 22 December, and then again from Tuesday 3 January until late February 2023 as part of the level crossing removals and construction of a new Glenhuntly Station.
Pakenham train line
The eastern car park at Narre Warren Station will be closed from 5am, Monday 5 December until early 2025, as part of works to remove the level crossing at Webb Street, Narre Warren, by building an elevated rail bridge and new Narre Warren Station.
Commuter impacts
- As part of the Webb Street level crossing removal works, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Pakenham stations from 9.30pm, Friday 2 December to last train, Sunday 4 December.
Commuters on the Frankston line should be prepared for a lengthier summer commute
Regional rail disruptions
Warrnambool train line
Stage 1 of the Warrnambool line upgrade commences this month. When finished, the project will add a fifth weekday return service between Warrnambool and Melbourne, giving passengers more flexibility on travel times.
Commuter impacts
- Coaches will replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool for nearly a month from Saturday 5 November for signalling upgrades between Warncoort and Warrnambool.
Gippsland line
The Gippsland rail line upgrade project will deliver extra off-peak services between Traralgon and Melbourne. This will include the building of second platforms at key stations so that there are more opportunities for trains to pass each other.
Commuter impacts
- As part of the level crossing removal works, coaches will replace trains from Southern Cross to Traralgon and Bairnsdale over the first weekend of December.
Shepparton Line
The first weekend of December will see level-crossing upgrade works take place between Mangalore and Wahring on the Shepparton Line. Signalling works will also take place at Murchison East.
Commuter impacts
- Coaches will replace regional trains between Seymour and Shepparton during this time.
Geelong/Ballarat lines
After level crossings at Robinsons Road and Fitzgerald Road on the Geelong and Ballarat lines were removed earlier in 2022, other rail infrastructure will be removed over two days in December marking the project’s completion.
Commuter impacts
- Coaches will replace Ballarat trains from Southern Cross to Melton from 10pm on Friday, 9 December to the last service on Sunday, 11 December.
- Warrnambool and Geelong trains will be replaced by coaches on part of the line during this time.
Plan ahead and prepare for delays this summer
Bicycle network closures and upgrades
A bevy of bike and pedestrian path upgrades will also see detours in place along popular pedal routes this summer. Cyclists are being urged to check their route before getting on the bike this summer.
Childers Street, South Kensington
The popular bike route along Childers Street will be closed for six months while works are underway to build a new forecourt precinct in from of the railway station.
Impacts:
- A detour is in place via Altona Street and Kensington Road.
Mernda train line, Preston
Level crossing removals along the Mernda train line in Preston will see a new public space underneath the elevated rail bridge.
Impacts:
A shared walking and cycling path from Oakover Road through to Murray Road is set to open in early 2023, with the public track featuring seating, play areas, BBQ facilities, and an amphitheatre.
Whether you are driving, using public transport or cycling, Victorians are asked to allow extra time and plan their journey by downloading the arevo app or checking the VicRoads website before travelling this summer.
