If you’re one of the many Melbourne commuters who find themselves stuck in traffic day after day, you might be wondering if there’s any way to avoid the peak traffic hours Melbourne.
According to recent data, about 75% of Melbourne residents use a car as their primary mode of transport to get to work. This is 110,000 more people than just five years ago. The increase in drivers has put a massive strain on the road network, resulting in slower speeds during peak traffic.
In this article, we’ll explore the best and worst times to travel in Melbourne traffic so that you can make your commute as smooth (and quick) as possible.
What time is peak hour traffic in Melbourne?
The peak traffic hours Melbourne are during the morning and afternoon rush hours. During these times, the roads are congested, and speeds are slow. The morning peak begins at around 6:30 am and lasts until 9:30 am, while the afternoon peak runs from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Most affected areas
The West Gate Freeway is amongst the busiest roads in Melbourne peak hour traffic. In 2011, about 78,000 people travelled from the western suburbs into the inner city for work. However, by 2016 this number had increased to 100,000, which is a 28% increase. This results in heavy traffic and slow speeds on the freeway.
In 2014, average speeds on the West Gate Freeway dropped below 50 km/h for one hour during the morning peak. Just two years later, this had increased to three hours. The Monash Freeway and the M80 Ring Road experience similar congestion levels during peak hours.
So, now that you know when is peak hour in Melbourne, you may want to consider alternative routes or modes of transport, such as public transport or cycling.
Source: Pexels
What are the peak hours in Vic?
The peak hours in Victoria are typically between 7 am and 9 am in the morning and 4 pm and 6 pm in the evening. This is when the majority of people are commuting to and from work. The severity of the traffic depends on where you live, just like the council rates in Victoria.
For example, if you live in the western suburbs and have to drive into the city for work, your commute will be much worse during the peak hours than if you live in the outer suburbs. And if you’re coming from an area without easy access to freeways, you’re likely to be stuck in traffic for a long time.
You can see how your average commute can change at different times of the day by entering either your home address or your place of work into the peak hour calculator.
What time of the day is there high traffic volume?
Melbourne traffic update is unfortunately no longer restricted to one hour. The morning rush now lasts about 2 and 3/4 hours and generally occurs between 6:15 am and 9 am. This high traffic volume can be very frustrating for commuters trying to get to work or school on time.
It is essential to plan your route carefully and allow extra time if you’re travelling during these peak traffic hours Melbourne.
Source: Pexels
What time does the Monash Freeway get busy?
The Monash Freeway is one of the busiest highways in Melbourne traffic congestion. It is used by thousands of commuters every day who travel from the outer suburbs into the city for work or study.
Unfortunately, the traffic on the freeway is not subject to council approval and can get very heavy during peak times. These are typically from 6 am to 8:45 am in the morning and 4 pm to 6 pm in the evening. This can often add 30-60 minutes to someone’s journey time.
What hours have the least traffic?
The best times to travel to avoid peak traffic hours Melbourne are between 10 am and 3 pm. Of course, this will vary depending on your specific destination, if you’re headed into the city for work, you’ll want to avoid the morning rush hour. But if you’re looking to get out of town for a leisurely drive, these off-peak times are ideal.
Another thing you should remember is that weekends tend to be quieter than weekdays. So if you have some flexibility in your travel plans, consider hitting the road on a Saturday or Sunday. You’ll likely find that traffic is much lighter, and you can get where you’re going with far less stress.
What time is the motorway least busy?
If you’re looking to avoid the traffic on Melbourne’s motorways, then the best time to travel is during the non-peak hours. From 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and from 6:30 pm onwards, you’ll find that the roads are much less busy.
This is the perfect time to hit the road and make your way to your destination without having to worry about being stuck in traffic. It means you’ll have to plan your journey around these times, but it’ll be worth it when you can easily cruise down the highway.
Source: Pexels
How to get from Melbourne to Point Cook?
The suburban Point Cook is located approximately 20 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. In order to get there, you can take either the Princes Freeway or Westgate Freeway. However, finding the best route to Point Cook is as simple as finding a house for sale in Point Cook.
If you’re leaving during weekday peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm), it’s usually quicker to take the Princes Freeway. However, the Westgate Freeway is often less congested if you’re travelling on a Saturday or Sunday. There are also several public transport options available, including buses and trains.
Whichever route you choose, be sure to allow extra time for your journey during peak periods. And if you’re looking for other affordable suburbs near Point Cook, consider Werribee or Tarneit.
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