The severe traffic disruption caused by this morning's tragic light aircraft crash at Essendon Airport will clear in time for the afternoon peak.

The inbound lanes of the Tullamarine and Calder freeways reopened at 2.30pm. Outbound lanes were reopened earlier in the afternoon.

Both freeways were closed for hours while Victoria Police and Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators worked in the area.

Debris from the light aircraft crash, which claimed five lives, fell onto and around the road after the plane crashed into the roof of a shopping centre.

The Bulla Road entry ramp inbound will remain closed indefinitely, VicRoads said in a statement it released at 2.30pm.

VicRoads thanked motorists for their patience during the freeway closures, which added an estimated 30 minutes to journey times between the CBD and Melbourne Airport.

"VicRoads worked closely with emergency services to ensure they could get their job done and we could open the road safely," the authority said.

"We'd like to thank motorists who were caught by this morning's closure for their patience and understanding, during this tragic event."