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Altona’s Transport Challenges: Residents Face Ongoing Road and Rail Congestion

As infrastructure projects reshape movement through the suburb, local commuters continue to navigate daily delays and limited transit options.

By Altona News Desk · Published 25 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. Melbourne Weather News is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

For those living 13 km south-west of the city center, transportation remains a significant daily hurdle. Altona continues to rely heavily on private vehicle travel, a dependence compounded by persistent limitations within the existing road network. Residents frequently report enduring daily traffic congestion, a reality for many navigating the local commute.

The Impact of Infrastructure Upgrades

The local landscape is currently undergoing physical change as part of broader efforts to manage flow. A notable development is the construction of a new shared path bridge over the rail line at Maidstone Street, intended to remove the current level crossing. However, this progress brings immediate disruption: Ajax Road is slated for closure from the Maidstone Street intersection until mid-2027. This closure serves as a focal point for current community frustration as residents adjust their travel routes around the construction zones.

Managing Daily Commuter Demand

The strain on infrastructure is measurable, with major congestion affecting nearby autobahns and regional roads. According to recent reports, the A23 route carries 77,000 cars and the A7 carries 127,000 cars on a typical weekday, while Kieler Strasse experiences an average daily traffic volume of 63,000 vehicles. These high figures highlight the pressure on local thoroughfares, where the volume of private vehicles consistently challenges the capacity of the road grid.

Public Transit and Industrial Shifts

While road congestion dominates, public transit alternatives exist but offer limited frequency. Altona Station, located on the Werribee line, currently provides train services every 20 minutes. Residents also rely on established bus routes, specifically the 411 and 412 services between Laverton and Footscray, along with the 903 Smartbus service connecting Altona to Mordialloc.

Industrial history also plays a role in local movement. The Altona Oil Refinery, once a cornerstone of industrial transport activity in the area, permanently ceased operations in August 2021. The site is currently undergoing a transformation into a fuel import facility, changing the nature of industrial traffic that previously defined the local transport landscape. Moving forward, residents are encouraged to stay informed regarding ongoing road notices and service updates as the Maidstone Street project continues through its scheduled timeline.