With restrictions easing this weekend, Melburnians planning a getaway are reminded to allow extra time and to stay vigilant when behind the wheel.
From 6pm Friday, travel will again be allowed between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria and a significant increase in traffic is expected.
Extra traffic controllers and signal engineers at the Transport Operations Centre have been rostered to work to help minimise delays, while the recently expanded VicRoads Incident Response Service will be poised and ready to clear disruptions from the freeways and arterial road network.
Peak hour is likely to come early on Friday afternoon, with an additional influx after 6pm. Motorists should plan for busy conditions from 3pm around metropolitan Melbourne, as well as along key holiday routes like the Hume Freeway, Great Ocean Road and the Princes Freeway in both the east and west of the state.
This weekend may be the first time in many months that some Victorians and their vehicles have been on the road. Before a long journey, it’s important to ensure a vehicle’s safety by inspecting tyres, brakes, wipers and lights.
During most of the recent lockdown, major infrastructure construction continued, resulting in significant changes to the road network. We ask motorists to be vigilant for the changed conditions.
Drivers should plan their route and rest stops to ensure a stress-free and predictable journey, and should be well-rested before setting off. We recommend taking a short break from driving every two hours.
Wet weather is forecast across the state this weekend. Motorists should slow down, increase braking distances and drive to the conditions. Never drive through floodwaters and be vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles which can be harder to see in bad weather.
While many families will choose to take a four-day weekend, Monday is regular school day in the Victorian term calendar, and school zones will be in operation across the state. Regional school zones will also operate on Melbourne Cup Day.
