More disruption pain looms for Melbourne commuters

Melbourne commuters are set to face further major disruptions as the Allan government’s Big Build agenda forges on.

Melbourne commuters are being warned to brace for more disruptions caused by the city’s Big Build. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Commuters are set to face further major disruptions as the Allan government’s Big Build agenda forges on.

With preparations for the opening of the Metro Tunnel next year full steam ahead, thousands of commuters will be forced on to replacement buses to make way for testing.

Buses will replace trains on sections of the Sunbury, Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Gippsland lines at various times through March, April and May.

Works on the West Gate Tunnel Project will also cause headaches, with lane closures until mid-2024 as construction begins on a 2.5km elevated veloway along Footscray Rd to create a safer passage for cyclists to and from the city.

Buses will replace trains on sections of the Sunbury, Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Gippsland lines at various times through March, April and May.

There will be further disruptions on the West Gate Freeway in March and April due to asphalting works and the installation of overhead signage.

As crews work on level crossing removals, buses will replace trains on sections of the Frankston line in March and April, and on sections of the Belgrave and Lilydale line until late March.

Traffic changes will be enforced in Bulleen to get ready for tunnelling on the North East Link while workers build the Manningham Rd ramps.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said on Monday the projects were “vitally important”.

“(Disruptions) are regrettably just something that has to occur,” he said.