Overview
If you commute to work by train, you're looking at having a frustrating autumn. Well, at least a frustrating April. The Victorian Government has announced that sections of nine Melbourne train lines will be closed from April 1–23 to complete more work on the South Yarra side of the Metro Tunnel and make way for a shiny new fleet of high-capacity trains.
What does that mean? Replacement buses. If you travel on any of the lines that service the southeast suburbs, you'll most likely have to switch from the train to a bus at some point on your commute. Plus, in the north, part of the Mernda line will be closed at the same time for a level crossing removal. If you were impacted by the train closures back in January, it's likely that'll you'll probably have your commute stuffed around again this autumn. According to The Age, the works will affect more that 1.5 million Melburnians.
The lines that'll be impacted across the Easter holiday period are Cranbourne, Pakenham, Frankston, Sandringham, Glen Waverley and Mernda, as well as the Gippsland and Geelong/Warrnambool V/Lines.
Here's what we know so far about what's happening on each of the affected lines.
- Frankston: Buses will replace trains between Mordialloc and Frankston stations from April 1–3, between Flinders Street and Caulfield stations from April 6–23, and between Flinders Street and Moorabbin stations from April 13–14 and April 19–21.
- Cranbourne and Pakenham: Buses will replace trains between Flinders Street and Caulfield stations from April 6–23, and between Caulfield and Westall stations from April 13–14, and between Flinders Street and Westall from April 19–21.
- Glen Waverley: Buses will replace trains between Burnley and Darling stations from April 13–14.
- Mernda: Buses will replace trains between Thornbury and Epping stations from April 3–9, and between Clifton Hill and Merda stations from April 13–14.
- Sandringham: Buses will replace trains between Flinders Street and Sandringham stations on April 6, and between Flinders Street and Sandringham stations from April 13–14 and April 19–22.
Plus, V/Line services will be affected as well. Coaches will replace trains on the Warrnambool and Geelong line from April 6–21. Something to keep in mind if you're travelling home or out of the metro area over the holiday period. The Gippsland line is also expected to be affected, but passengers will, once again, receive free travel. You can find the full details on line closures here.
The free tram zone will also be extended for games at the MCG throughout April — but sports fans are told to allow extra time for travel.
The State Government is advising commuters to leave an extra 60 minutes for travel in the case of delays, so it's advisable that you plan your trip carefully. For up-to-date info, your best bet is to check the disruptions map on the government's Big Build website.
Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria. Updated: March 29, 2019.