BERWICK, VICTORIA — A multi-vehicle crash during Friday afternoon’s peak-hour commute caused the closure of all outbound lanes of the Princes Freeway in Berwick, resulting in significant traffic congestion and lengthy delays for motorists traveling through Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. According to VicTraffic, the collision occurred on the outbound side of the freeway near the Clyde Road exit. A traffic update issued at approximately 3:40 p.m. advised motorists that all outbound lanes had been closed while emergency services responded to the scene. Major Traffic Delays Reported The freeway closure quickly affected surrounding roads, with congestion reportedly extending back toward Stud Road in Dandenong. Travel delays of up to 50 minutes were reported along sections of the Monash Freeway and Princes Freeway, while additional congestion affected roads around Hallam, Narre Warren and Berwick. Motorists heading toward Melbourne’s south-east were urged to avoid the affected section where possible and consider alternative routes. Recommended Detours Traffic authorities advised motorists to leave the Monash Freeway earlier and consider using the Princes Highway through alternative routes. Suggested options included: Warrigal Road through Chadstone Wellington Road through Clayton Stud Road through Dandenong Belgrave-Hallam Road Ernst Wanke Road Narre Warren North Road These routes could provide motorists with alternative ways to bypass the affected section and reconnect with major transport corridors. Emergency Services Respond Emergency services attended the crash scene as authorities worked to manage the incident and restore traffic flow. At the time of the initial reports, officials had not released confirmed information about the exact number of vehicles involved or whether anyone was injured. The cause of the collision was also not immediately available. Motorists were urged to approach the area carefully and follow all traffic-management directions while emergency and recovery crews worked at the scene. Drivers Warned to Stay Alert VicTraffic reminded motorists to obey overhead electronic signs, merge early where instructed and remain alert for emergency vehicles approaching the crash site. Drivers were also warned to keep emergency lanes clear so police, firefighters, paramedics and recovery crews could reach the scene without obstruction. Traffic-management teams were monitoring conditions across the surrounding road network and adjusting nearby traffic signals where possible to help improve traffic flow along alternative routes. Friday Afternoon Congestion The incident demonstrated the significant impact a major freeway crash can have on Melbourne’s transport network, particularly during the afternoon peak period when traffic volumes are high. With outbound lanes closed and motorists diverting onto surrounding roads, congestion can spread quickly across nearby suburbs and major intersections. Drivers planning to travel through the area were advised to allow additional time, remain patient and check the latest traffic information before starting their journey. Latest Princes Freeway Accident Updates Authorities continue to monitor the situation and work toward managing the disruption caused by the crash. Further information regarding the cause of the collision, the number of vehicles involved, injuries and the timing of lane reopening was not immediately available in the initial reports. Motorists should rely on official VicTraffic and emergency-service updates for the latest information and avoid unverified reports circulating online. This report may be updated as additional confirmed information becomes available. Post navigation Sheldon Brousseau Obituary, Arnprior, Ontario Death: 23-Year-Old Remembered After Workplace Accident Joshua Randall Rhoads Obituary, Kokomo, IN Death: 47-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Accident