Gippsland motorists travelling into the city are facing significant delays during annual maintenance works on the West Gate Bridge.
Only one outbound lane is currently open, with the Department of Transport urging motorists to plan ahead and detour. The works will continue until 5am on Wednesday, January 4.
The department says delays of more than 90 minutes were expected.
These delays are expected across the city, including the West Gate Freeway between the city and the West Gate Bridge, Domain Tunnel, Monash Freeway inbound and surrounding roads through the CBD, Docklands, Southbank, South Melbourne and South Yarra.
Drivers headed to Melbourne Airport are warned that lengthy delays will affect anyone trying to reach CityLink and the Bolte Bridge from the Monash Freeway and Domain Tunnel.
They are strongly encouraged to detour east and north of the CBD to reach CityLink from Mt Alexander Road, Brunswick Road or Bell Street.
Holidaymakers travelling to the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, south western or western Victoria from east of the city, should detour north of the city using Alexandra Parade, Racecourse Road and Geelong Road to connect with the Princes Freeway or Ballarat Road to reach the Western Freeway.
Those travelling into the city from Gippsland should consider using public transport or major roads through the eastern suburbs to avoid congestion on the Monash Freeway close to the city.
The department said crews are working around the clock to replace the waterproofing membrane on a section of the bridge, ensuring it can continue to perform to standard. Additional works, including resurfacing and line marking, will also be carried out.
Visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/westgate for further information about the works and detour routes.