Major traffic delays building in Melbourne’s north and west after tip truck strike and truck rollover

Motorists are facing significant traffic delays on roads in Melbourne’s west and north with tip truck operators taking industrial action and a truck rollover.

Dozens of tip trucks have slowed down traffic coming into the city they protest for better pay. Picture: Generic/David Crosling

Motorists are facing significant traffic delays on roads in Melbourne’s west and north after operators of tip trucks went on strike and a truck rollover.

Dozens of tip trucks have slowed down traffic coming into the city as drivers protest for better pay.

The Victorian Tippers United members are protesting by reducing their speed to 30km/h with their hazard lights on the West Gate Freeway.

Speed has been reduced to 40km/h on the West Gate Freeway and traffic has slowed coming from the M80 Ring Rd interchange.

A Department of Transport spokesman said motorists should obey overhead signs and speed signs.

“People should drive with care and follow the normal rules,” he said.

It’s understood tip truck drivers took their trucks to Oldham Rd in Epping on Monday morning before driving towards the city.

The union is demanding an eight-hour minimum for hourly hire and better contract rates among others.

All westbound lanes of Bell St in Pascoe Vale South have been closed between Reynolds Pde and the Tullamarine Freeway after a truck rollover at the Cumberland Rd intersection. Picture: VicTraffic/X.

In the northern suburbs, all westbound lanes of Bell St in Pascoe Vale South have been closed between Reynolds Pde and the Tullamarine Freeway after a truck rollover at the Cumberland Rd intersection.

One eastbound lane of Bell St, towards Preston, remains open with major traffic delays building on the inbound freeway exit.

The southbound lanes of Cumberland Rd are also closed between O’Hea and Bell streets.

A Department of Transport spokesman said drivers were encouraged to detour early to avoid congestion near the closures, using Gaffney St to reach Pascoe Vale Rd, or taking Sydney Rd to reach the M80 Ring Rd.

“Moreland Rd to the south provides another great alternative to reach Essendon or the Tullamarine Freeway,” he said.

“These road closures are under the control of Victoria Police. Lanes on Bell St and Cumberland Rd will re-open with investigations are complete and it’s safe to do so.”