Commuters across Melbourne faced major disruptions today following a serious incident on the Hume Freeway (M1) that led to the closure of the Kings-West Gate Out Ramp near Kings Way, South Melbourne. Emergency services and road crews were on scene throughout the day, responding to the situation and conducting urgent safety works.
The accident, which occurred during peak traffic hours, forced authorities to close the outbound lanes of the freeway between Kings Way, South Melbourne and the Kings Way ramp. The closure has caused significant traffic delays and detours, with VicRoads urging drivers to remain alert, follow changed conditions, and allow extra travel time.
The Incident
While full details of the accident are still emerging, initial reports suggest that multiple vehicles were involved in a collision on the outbound lanes near the Kings-West Gate Out Ramp. Witnesses described a sudden slowdown on the freeway, followed by the sound of a crash that brought traffic to a halt. Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and fire crews, arrived swiftly at the scene to assess the situation, provide medical assistance, and secure the roadway.
Authorities confirmed that emergency works were immediately required due to the nature of the incident, prompting the decision to fully close the affected section of the M1 outbound. The closure is necessary not only to allow responders to carry out their duties safely but also to assess damage to infrastructure, clear debris, and ensure that the road surface is safe for future travel.
Traffic Impact and Detours
The closure of the outbound lanes on the Hume Freeway at Kings Way has led to significant congestion across South Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Traffic has been backed up for kilometres, with frustrated commuters experiencing long delays during their evening travel.
VicRoads has advised motorists to seek alternative routes where possible and to factor in additional travel time. Electronic message boards have been activated along major approach roads to notify drivers of the closure and provide live updates on detours.
Public transport services have also been impacted, with buses that rely on the M1 experiencing delays and re-routes. Commuters who normally travel outbound on the freeway are encouraged to consider train or tram alternatives where available until the road fully reopens.
Emergency Works Underway
Crews remain on-site conducting emergency works to restore safe travel conditions. These works include clearing wreckage from the roadway, assessing any damage to barriers and the road surface, and conducting safety inspections. Given the scale of the incident, there is no immediate estimate for when the affected lanes will reopen. Authorities have stressed that safety remains the top priority, and the road will only reopen once it is deemed fully safe for motorists.
A spokesperson from Victoria Police confirmed:
“We are asking the public to remain patient while our teams work on-site. The closure is in place for the safety of both commuters and emergency crews. We understand the inconvenience this causes but urge everyone to remain cautious and plan ahead.”
Public Safety Reminder
Authorities are also reminding motorists to drive with caution when approaching the area. Traffic conditions around South Melbourne remain unpredictable, and heavy congestion increases the likelihood of further minor accidents. Drivers are urged to:
Stay alert for changed traffic conditions and detour signage.
Allow extra travel time.
Avoid distractions and follow directions from traffic controllers and police on-site.
If possible, postpone non-essential travel until the incident is cleared.
Community Response
The incident has sparked frustration among regular commuters, with many taking to social media to share updates and voice concerns about the state of Melbourne’s busy road networks. Others have expressed gratitude to emergency crews for their quick response and tireless work under difficult conditions.
Despite the disruptions, the community response has also been one of understanding, with many recognising the importance of ensuring public safety over the convenience of travel.
