Heavy Event Traffic and Road Closures Expected Across Perth This Saturday

Commuter Outlook: Major Events and Infrastructure Works

Perth drivers and public transport users should prepare for a busy Saturday across the metropolitan area. A combination of high-profile sporting events, youth music festivals, and ongoing urban infrastructure projects will likely impact travel times. Whether you are heading to the stadium or transiting through the CBD, planning ahead is essential today, Saturday, March 21, 2026.

High Traffic Volumes in Burswood and Midland

Two major events are set to draw large crowds this afternoon and evening. At Optus Stadium, the Round 2 AFL clash between the Fremantle Dockers and Melbourne is expected to attract tens of thousands of fans. Heavy congestion is anticipated on Great Eastern Highway, Graham Farmer Freeway, and surrounding routes in Burswood both before and after the match. Local residents are advised to avoid the area if not attending the game to bypass significant delays.

Simultaneously, the Hyper Music Festival returns to Midland today. The event will be held at the LoCale and Weeip Park precinct, causing local road closures and increased foot traffic near the corner of Cale Street and The Crescent. With a large crowd expected for the all-ages festival, traffic around the Midland town center and the new Midland Station interchange will be significantly heavier than a standard Saturday afternoon.

Road Closures and 'Cool Roads' Trials

The City of Perth’s Cool Roads Program continues to affect traffic in the western suburbs. Temporary road closures are in place across various streets in Crawley from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm today as crews apply heat-reflective coatings to the pavement. Similar works are also impacting streets in East Perth and West Perth. Additionally, commuters near Sarich Court should note ongoing partial closures for pavement construction and asphalting works, with detours currently in place via Stephenson Avenue.

Public Transport: Rail and Bus Disruptions

• Red CAT Bus: Significant disruptions are active in West Perth. Stops at Emerald Terrace, Parliament House, and West Perth (Stops 16916, 16917, and 16919) are closed from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm today. Passengers should use alternative stops nearby.
• Train Service Alerts: Passengers on the Airport Line should be aware of scheduled disruptions affecting Claisebrook and McIver stations throughout the day. While the Midland Line is operational following its recent station upgrades, minor delays may occur due to ongoing finishing works along the corridor.
• Event Shuttles: Dedicated Transperth event buses and trains will be running for the AFL match at Optus Stadium. Your match ticket includes free public transport, which remains the most efficient way to reach the venue given the expected parking constraints.

For those driving, ensure you check live navigation maps before departing, as short-term incidents or breakdowns can quickly exacerbate delays near construction zones and event precincts.