4th March 2019
Train commuters in Melbourne are being warned for long delays and track shutdowns over the month of April.
Nine of Victoria's regional and metropolitan lines will experience delays over three weeks in April, causing some passengers to be diverted onto buses and trams.
AFL fans will also be affected by the delays with Richmond station set to shut down during some game days.
To accommodate footy fans, Melbourne's free tram zone will be extended to the MCG throughout April
Interruptions will occur from April 1 to 23 across Geelong, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Mernda, Sandringham, Pakenham, Warrnambool and Cranbourne lines. Commuters will be forced onto replacement bus services and will need to plan for delays of up to 1 hour. Commuters are urged to check their local lines daily for network reports.
Premier Daniel Andrews stated that the track shutdowns were necessary for completion of the Metro Tunnel Project and level crossing removal works.
The Metro Tunnel project will create five new underground stations and provide convenient public transport to more of Victoria.
The project is estimated to be complete in 2025.
"We're getting out there early to advice people there will be significant, indeed unprecedented, disruption during April," Premier Andrews said.
"It can't be avoided… if we don't build these projects, we'll have nothing but disruption and chaos into the future," he said.
Regional passengers travelling on the Warrnambool, Geelong and Gippsland lines will experience the longest delays of up to an hour and will be diverted onto buses.
However, these passengers will receive free transport as compensation during the April delays.
Public transport minister, Melissa Horne is thankful for the traveller's patience during delay periods over the past year.
"Because they have put up with about 150 days of disruption over the previous year, free travel will be offered to them," Ms Horne said.
To plan your route ahead, visit our journey planner here.
