The opening of a new platform tram stop in Melbourne’s Arts Precinct marks the completion of stage one of the St Kilda Road tram improvement strategy. Yarra Trams has provided coffee, muffins and musical entertainment to tram commuters using the new stop this morning.
The twin platforms have been constructed midway between the Victorian Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria as part of a $9.5m upgrade of tram infrastructure on St Kilda Road south of Princes Bridge.
A section of third track has been installed near the new platforms to allow trams to change direction without disrupting other services. This will boost tram efficiency during special events when services terminate at the Arts Centre.
An additional section of third track has been constructed in St Kilda Road near Southbank Boulevard to allow trams on Route 1 to turn without delaying services on the eight other routes.
Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer Dennis Cliche said: “This is a very important step in the renewal of the most critical part of our network. It serves as another example of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram system.”
“Yarra Trams is proud to have delivered this project right on schedule as part of our vision to improve the efficiency of services along the spine of the tram system – St Kilda Road,” said Mr Cliche.
“I want to thank the many stakeholders who supported this project, particularly the Arts Centre and the NGV as well as the residents and occupants of nearby buildings. We are grateful also to our customers for their patience during the three weekends when trams on St Kilda Road were replaced by buses,” he said.
Facts About Stage One of the St Kilda Road Tram Improvement Strategy:
• The new sections of double and triple track are the equivalent of 1.3 kilometres of single tram track.
• Two 10 tonne sections of prefabricated turnout and crossover tracks were installed along with 70 metres of curved track at Southbank Boulevard.
• Two additional 15 tonne sections of prefabricated turnout and crossover tracks were installed in the triple track section north of the platform stop.
• The track is laid on 1600 sleepers and encased in 1100 cubic metres of concrete and 800 tonnes of asphalt.
• 3000 tonnes of excavated concrete and 300 tonnes of steel rail will be recycled.
• A total of 700 metres of new overhead power works were installed.
• The project included associated roadworks, asphalting, footpath works and traffic signal works.
• Each platform is 64 metres long and approximately 3 metres wide, featuring bluestone kerbing and paving, stainless steel railings; clear glass shelters and passenger information.
• Two pedestrian crossings link the platform stops with either side of St Kilda Road.
• More than 6600 passengers board and alight trams in the Arts Precinct on an average weekday but this is expected to increase because of the improved accessibility provided by the platform stops.
Release distributed: 23 June 2008