Melbourne travel delays linger as train works continue

COMMUTERS can expect more travel delays as Melburnians return to work amid a $30 billion overhaul of the city’s transport network.

MORE than 400,000 Melbourne passengers have been shunted on to buses with pain and delays set to continue amid the $30 billion transport network overhaul.

The painful summer construction blitz has already hit hundreds of thousands of commuters working over the New Year and is set to worsen for some travellers as more Melburnians return to work.

Trains reopened on the Frankston line this week, however buses will continue to replace services on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland lines.

An additional 30,000 passengers are expected from this week and the authorities are warning of potential delays of up to an hour as they squeeze on to replacement buses.

Metro does monthly clean of graffiti-riddled rail corridor

Hoddle St road improvements to cause chaos for motorists

Delays will continue on the Pakenham/Cranbourne line. Picture: Tony Gough

Level crossing works along the Dandenong line began on Wednesday afternoon and will continue until January 17.

Commuters on the Hurstbridge and South Morang line will also be affected from next week.

Meanwhile, drivers will continue battling the Hoddle Street chaos with the main road remaining closed until January 14.

M80 Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway users will be the next to be impacted with delays expected as works kick off on nights and weekends.

Hoddle St shutdown to spark Melbourne summer traffic chaos

Hoddle Street closed in both directions for major road works. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Traffic building at the end of the Eastern Freeway. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Acting Minister for Public Transport Philip Dalidakis said it was a necessary overhaul and thanked Victorians for their patience over the period.

“We know this is causing massive disruption, but it’s disruption for a purpose,’’ he said.

“We are upgrading signalling and old infrastructure on our busiest train lines to get ready for bigger better trains, getting on with crucial road works and continuing to get hundreds and thousands of people around the city while works take place.

“Rail and road works are still underway so plan ahead and allow extra time to complete your journey.”

Despite the number of train line closures and major road works, almost 24,000 people or 44 per cent of fans, were still able to reach the MCG by public transport for the Big Bash League derby.

And so far constructions workers have successfully replaced 16km of overhead wire, removed structures that are up to 100 years old and installed new axel counters under tracks to help the train signalling system run smoothly.

[e-mail]