The landscape of Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs is undergoing a historic transformation. As major construction for SRL East hits full stride, the community is beginning to see the sheer scale of the project that will eventually link our suburbs like never before. With crews now preparing for the commencement of tunnelling later this year, the activity in the Monash and Clayton precincts is reaching a fever pitch.
While the long-term vision for the Suburban Rail Loop is inspiring—promising to deliver an additional 70,000 homes within walking distance of six new underground stations—the immediate reality for local residents and business owners involves a fair share of logistical hurdles. From 24-hour construction shifts to significant road closures, staying informed and adaptable is the key to navigating the coming months.
The SRL Authority has released a summary of works to help the community stay up-to-date and plan ahead. If you live or work near the Monash or Clayton construction sites, here is the breakdown of what to expect in the immediate future.
Major Works in Monash
The Monash precinct is a hive of activity as crews prepare the ground for future rail infrastructure. Residents should be aware of the following:
Extended Work Hours
Construction at the SRL site is now scheduled to take place until 10 pm most days. Additionally, there will be intermittent overnight deliveries, which may result in increased heavy vehicle movement in the area during late hours.
Traffic and Road Closures: Navigating the local streets will require extra time. Expect lane and road closures on Normanby, Howleys, Gilby, and Ferntree Gully roads as roadworks are completed. If these are part of your daily commute, it may be worth identifying alternative routes now to avoid peak-hour frustration.
Around-the-Clock Activity in Clayton
In Clayton, the intensity of the project is even higher as teams prepare to excavate the station site.
24-Hour Operations: Crews are currently working 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday. This level of activity is necessary to keep the project on track for the tunnelling phase but does mean constant movement and noise in the vicinity of the site.
Specific Road Closures: A major disruption is scheduled for Madeleine Road, which will be closed between Carinish Road and Colonel Street. This closure will take place from Monday, 2 March to Friday, 6 March, between the hours of 7 am and 6 pm. These works are essential for completing utility connections and maintaining local footpaths.
One of the most important messages from the SRL project team is that shops and businesses in construction areas remain open. While orange barriers and heavy machinery might make the streets look different, your favourite local traders are still there and ready for your patronage.
Supporting “local” has never been more critical. Whether it’s grabbing your morning coffee in Clayton or visiting a specialty store in Monash, continuing to shop local helps ensure our vibrant business community thrives despite the construction dust.
However, we also recognise that for the businesses themselves, these disruptions present challenges. Limited street parking and restricted access can make it difficult to manage inventory or store bulky equipment on-site.
As a local business ourselves, StorageX Self Storage understands the pressure of operating—and living—in a rapidly changing environment. Located in Huntingdale, right on the doorstep of these major works, we are positioned to be the “overflow” valve for residents and businesses affected by the SRL construction.
Easy Access: Skip the construction traffic on Ferntree Gully Road and store your seasonal items, furniture, or sporting gear in a secure facility that is easy to reach.
Safety First: With increased foot traffic and construction crews in the area, moving high-value items into a monitored, secure unit provides peace of mind that your belongings are protected.
The SRL project is a “Shop Local” advocate, and so are we. If your storefront in Monash is feeling cramped due to delivery disruptions or if you need a place to store extra stock while roadworks limit your usual loading bay access, StorageX offers the flexibility you need.
No Long-Term Contracts: We know construction timelines can shift. Our flexible terms allow you to use the space only for as long as you need it.
Award-Winning Service: We aren’t just any storage facility. StorageX was proud to be named the Self-Storage Facility of the Year in Australasia in 2023. We bring that same level of excellence to every client, ensuring your business assets are handled with care.
StorageX goes beyond standard units. We also offer safety deposit box rentals, providing a level of security that is hard to find elsewhere in Melbourne. If the SRL works have you concerned about the security of your most precious valuables, our state-of-the-art facility is the answer.
The Suburban Rail Loop is a once-in-a-generation project. While the current closures on Normanby Road or the 24-hour shifts in Clayton might feel like a temporary inconvenience, they are the building blocks of a more accessible, liveable Melbourne.
At StorageX, we are excited to see our community grow and evolve. We are here to help you manage the transition, providing the space you need to keep your life and business moving forward while the SRL crews do the heavy lifting.
Are you feeling the squeeze from the recent SRL disruptions? Don’t let construction clutter your life. Whether you need a small locker for documents or a large unit for a household of furniture, our team at Huntingdale is here to help.
