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Bundoora Community Members Discuss Transport Challenges Ahead of Road Works
Residents consider daily options as major works approach on key routes serving the suburb.
How we reported this
Major road works on the M80 Ring Road and Grimshaw Street Interchange will begin late September and continue through October 2026 as part of the North East Link project. The works will bring intermittent lane closures, speed reductions and bus-replacing-train disruptions on the Hurstbridge Line.
Why the Works Matter to Daily Travel
The timing affects commuters who already balance several transport choices in Bundoora. With car use dominant, any change to road capacity or rail replacement services can shift routines for those heading to the CBD or local campuses. Residents note that even short delays compound when multiple household members travel at peak times.
Public Transport Choices Available Now
The Route 86 tram runs in the median of Plenty Road with dedicated platform stops and links the CBD directly to RMIT and La Trobe University campuses. Train access relies mainly on Watsonia Station on the Hurstbridge Line or Macleod Station, where peak services run every 5 to 15 minutes and reach Flinders Street in 10 to 30 minutes. Several bus routes also serve the area, including route 566 from Greensborough to Lalor via Plenty Road, routes 563 and 564 from La Trobe to Mill Park, route 568 from Watsonia to Kingsbury, and route 560 from Greensborough to Broadmeadows.
Current Accessibility and Travel Patterns
Transport accessibility in Bundoora North rates as good, with residents on average 254 metres from the nearest stop. Despite these options, cars account for 88 percent of commuter trips. Community members point out that this heavy car reliance means road works on the M80 and Grimshaw Street Interchange will directly affect the majority of local journeys, while those already using the tram or buses may see less immediate change.
Some residents describe planning extra travel time or testing the Route 86 tram for university or city trips before the works start. Others mention checking bus timetables for routes 566, 563/4, 568 and 560 as potential backups if train services switch to buses during the October period.
Next Steps for Commuters
Residents can monitor updates from the North East Link project on lane and service changes. Checking the Route 86 tram stops along Plenty Road or confirming peak train times at Watsonia and Macleod stations offers practical ways to adjust before late September.