At this busy time of year, planning ahead can help ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely and with minimal delay – whether that means arriving on time for Christmas lunch, enjoying the Boxing Day sales or attending the Boxing Day Test.
Historically, Christmas Day is one of the busiest days on the road network.
Peak-period conditions are most commonly experienced between 11am and 1pm and again from 4pm to 6pm as people travel to gatherings across metropolitan and regional areas.
During these times, significant congestion is expected on many freeways including the Monash Freeway, Peninsula Link, the Princes Freeway and the Hume Freeway, and on many arterial roads.
Planning to depart well before peak periods can greatly reduce the likelihood of being caught in long queues and arriving late.
On Christmas Day, metropolitan and regional public transport will run to a regular Sunday timetable with some changes for V/Line coach services, and travel be free from 3am Thursday, 25 December until 3am on Boxing Day.
Boxing Day brings a different set of travel challenges, with large numbers of people heading to shopping centres and major events.
Delays around Chadstone Shopping Centre and Westfield Doncaster are typically among the longest, due to heavy congestion on local and arterial roads during peak times. Our signal engineers will work to minimise congestion in and around shopping centre car parks and the Boxing Day Test, however we suggest allowing extra time and considering less busy times of day to help ease the journey.
Those attending the Boxing Day Test at the MCG are strongly encouraged to use public transport, which provides the most efficient and reliable access to the precinct while reducing pressure on surrounding roads.
Richmond and Jolimont stations are a short walk from the MCG, Melbourne Park and Yarra Park, providing more options for those connecting with trains at Flinders Street or Southern Cross stations, or services on the north-eastern, eastern or south-eastern lines.
Careful consideration of travel plans can make a significant difference. Travelling at off-peak times, choosing a different route, or using public transport instead of driving can substantially reduce time spent in traffic and improve overall safety on the network.
Transport Victoria provides real-time traffic conditions and the latest public transport information at transport.vic.gov.au
