Mandurah Line Nightly Closures and Kwinana Freeway Restrictions This Thursday, 12 March

Perth Traffic and Commute Update: Thursday, 12 March 2026

Commuters across the Perth metropolitan area should prepare for a mix of significant rail disruptions and major roadwork completions this Thursday. While several key arterial routes remain under maintenance, the recent restoration of services in the southeast provides some relief for the morning peak.

Public Transport: Mandurah Line and Bus Disruptions

The most significant impact for rail users today involves the Mandurah Line. Transperth has confirmed nightly closures between Cockburn Central and Mandurah stations for Wednesday, 11 March and Thursday, 12 March. These closures are necessary for essential track maintenance. Passengers traveling late this evening should plan for train replacement buses, which will run on a modified schedule. Normal services are expected to resume by the first train Friday morning.

In addition to rail works, several bus routes are facing disruptions today. Commuters using the following services should check for localized stop closures and timing shifts:

• Routes 494 and 498 in the northern suburbs.
• Routes 276, 277, 278, 293, 294, and 307 affecting eastern corridors.
• Route 240 and Route 107, which have reported service deviations today.

On a more positive note, the Armadale Line and the new Byford Extension are now fully operational following their reopening earlier this week. This restoration of service is expected to significantly ease pressure on the replacement bus network that has been in place for the past several months.

Major Roadworks and Freeway Alerts

Main Roads WA has issued a significant alert for the Kwinana Freeway. The southbound lanes at Karnup are currently subject to a full road closure for ongoing infrastructure works. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 PM today. Motorists heading toward the Peel region should seek alternate routes via South Western Highway or Mandurah Road to avoid heavy congestion during the afternoon peak.

Closer to the CBD, the City of South Perth is conducting annual cleaning of stormwater litter traps along the Kwinana Freeway stretch between Manning Road and the Narrows Bridge. While the work is coordinated to minimize peak-hour impact, lane closures may occur outside of the busiest morning and afternoon windows.

Local Road Updates

In the City of Perth, Telethon Avenue remains closed as part of long-term redevelopment projects. Meanwhile, in South Perth, a new pedestrian zebra crossing installation is underway at the intersection of Anstey and Angelo Streets. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and look out for workers in the area. Additionally, resurfacing works at Anstey Street Car Park 8 may limit parking availability for those visiting the South Perth foreshore today.

Commuters are encouraged to allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes of travel time if their route includes the Kwinana Freeway southbound or the affected northern bus corridors.