Mud has spilled on the Tullamarine Freeway causing significant traffic delays and road closures

Traffic on the Tullamarine Freeway was backed up for miles after a truck that closed three lanes spilled “significant” mud.

On the freeway between Pascoe Vale Rd and Bulla Rd, the three exit lanes were closed. Two lanes remained open with a speed limit of 40 km/h.

According to the Ministry of Transport, traffic from the Boltebrücke was “heavily overloaded” with delays of around 40 minutes.

Check out the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>

Delays at the airport also accumulated quickly.

“We are asking motorists using the toll road to allow extra time and obey the overhead signals,” the department said.

Motorists were advised to use Mt Alexander Rd through Essendon to return to the motorway on Bulla Rd.

“Other alternatives include the West Gate Freeway or Ballarat Rd to access the M80 Ring Rd to the west, or using Sydney Rd to access the northern suburbs,” the department said.

The department warned that surrounding roads in the suburbs of North Melbourne, Parkville, Ascot Vale and Kensington were experiencing heavier traffic than usual as a result of the incident.

Victoria Police and Transurban Operations Command were at the scene.