Melbourne train disruptions are expected this weekend. Metro Tunnel maintenance is set to affect several services across the city. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Melbourne train disruptions: Metro Tunnel shuts
Melbourne train disruptions: Metro Tunnel shuts

Passengers using the rail network are being urged to check their routes before leaving. Multiple Melbourne services will be disrupted from late Friday. Transport Victoria has advised that the Metro Tunnel will be shut from 11:30pm on Friday 22 May through to the final service on Sunday 24 May while maintenance is carried out.

The disruption extends beyond the tunnel closure itself. Replacement buses and coaches will cover parts of the metropolitan and V/Line networks.

Also, the changes could affect people travelling to AFL matches in Melbourne. Weekend fixtures include Richmond against Essendon in the Dreamtime at the G match tomorrow night. North Melbourne will play the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Collingwood will face the West Coast Eagles at the MGC on Saturday evening.

Metro Tunnel maintenance and affected services

The Metro Tunnel will not operate from Friday night until the final Sunday service. Replacement buses will run on several routes. Footy supporters are being told to plan their trips ahead of time.

During the works, Cranbourne and Pakenham services will begin and finish at South Yarra. Passengers heading toward the city will need to transfer to Frankston or Sandringham line services. On the Sunbury line, buses will replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunbury. Meanwhile, replacement buses will also operate on the Werribee and Williamstown lines between North Melbourne, Newport and Williamstown.

Services on the Upfield line will stop from 8:30pm on Friday. They will remain suspended until the last service on Sunday. Meanwhile, buses will cover the line across the weekend. Frankston line trains will continue to use the City Loop. They will run anticlockwise from Parliament to Flinders.

Replacement buses and V/Line coach changes

V Line passengers may also face changes. Coaches will replace trains on the Ballarat line for the full weekend. In addition, parts of the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines will be covered by coaches. Other evening services will also be affected.

Belgrave, Lilydale, Glen Waverley and Alamein line trains are generally expected to run directly to and from Flinders St Station. Some services on these lines will skip the City Loop altogether.

Also, passengers are encouraged to check the Journey Planner before travelling. It can help them find the most suitable route. Public transport in Victoria remains free until May 31. Still, half-price fares are also in place until the end of 2026.

More details on the Melbourne train disruptions are available through the information link. This includes whether a specific line is affected.

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