Getting to the footy finals this weekend

PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Extra public transport services will be at hand as footy finals kick off, providing safe and easy travel for fans heading to three massive games at the MCG.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said with footy fever in full swing, and tens of thousands of people expected to head to the AFL finals in Melbourne over the next few days, public transport is the easiest and best way to get to the MCG.

For Thursday’s sell-out first qualifying final between Collingwood and Melbourne, an extra 26 metropolitan train services and 18 additional Route 70 and 75 tram services will operate across the network.

Friday night’s blockbuster between Carlton and Sydney is also sold out.

There will be an extra 27 metropolitan train services added to the timetable, plus 18 additional Route 70 and 75 trams between Flinders Street and the MCG.

For Saturday afternoon’s match between St Kilda and GWS, there will be 15 extra metropolitan train services and 18 extra tram services connecting footy fans to the CBD.

Passengers travelling during these busy periods before and after the games are encouraged to plan their journey and to make sure their Myki is topped up and ready to go.

There will be no public parking at the MCG for these games and limited parking nearby.

Local road closures will be in place on Brunton Avenue, Jolimont Street, Jolimont Terrace and Wellington Parade at times before, during and after the games to ensure safe pedestrian access.

Mr Carroll said they are urging locals to plan ahead and check the PTV app or website before they head off so that your trip to the `G is a smooth one.

Planned works may impact travel for road and public transport users.

Buses will replace trains between Blackburn, Belgrave and Lilydale on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines from 12.15am Saturday, 9 September to the last service on Sunday, 10 September.

Melville Road, Brunswick West closes between Braemar Street and Cumming Street from 10pm Friday, 8 September to 5am Tuesday, 19 September. Buses will replace Route 58 trams in the area during this time.

Coaches are replacing trains on the Gippsland Line between Southern Cross, Traralgon and Bairnsdale until the last service on Sunday, 10 September.

Passengers are encouraged to visit ptv.vic.gov.au/disruptions for more information and to plan their journey.

Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.