Melburnians can expect increased traffic on Flinders Street for the next four years, with one of three westbound lanes between Russell and Swanston streets shut down for Metro Tunnel works.

Traffic has been reduced from two lanes to one, with motorists turning onto St Kilda Road and travelling to the city’s west affected. This part of the road will remain closed until 2022 and will add up to 15 minutes travel time for commuters.

The closure will allow for major works on the Metro Tunnel and a new Town Hall station at Federation Square.

“We said we would build a Metro Tunnel station entrance on the doorstep of Federation Square and we’re getting on with it,” Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told The Age.

“By freeing up the City Loop, space will be created on the network for more than half a million extra peak passengers every week.”

Construction will be run 24/7, while night works to prepare for the Federation Square entrance will be undertaken through October and November, from 10pm to 5am.

Heritage Victoria recently approved the demolition of the Melbourne Visitors Centre in Federation Square for the new station, which will be built 35 metres under the CBD.

The works will not affect tram services, and cyclists and pedestrians will be able to move through freely.