Tram works in St Kilda from Saturday 11 June

Major trackworks, road safety improvements and platform stop construction by Yarra Trams in Fitzroy Street and The Esplanade, St Kilda will continue until Saturday 18 June 2011.

The works which have already commenced on Fitzroy Street and The Esplanade will continue 24 hours a day until the early hours of Saturday 18 June when the site fencing and machinery will be removed and traffic will be allowed back into the street.

The improvement works are enhancing safety for motorists and tram drivers by raising the tracks to prevent cars from crossing into the path of moving trams. When the works are completed cars on Fitzroy Street will be able to cross the tracks at Canterbury Road/Grey Street, Park Street and Acland Street but Loch Street and Jackson Street will be restricted to 'left in, left out' access. The tram tracks on The Esplanade will also be raised and separation curbing installed to discourage u-turning cars, but vehicles will still be able to cross the tracks from side streets.

Fitzroy Street and The Esplanade are 'black spots' for cars colliding with trams and these traffic measures will reduce the potential for injury to tram passengers and the occupants of motor vehicles.

Pedestrian access will be maintained to all residences and businesses during the works. Traffic controllers will be on site to direct pedestrians and motorists. 

During the works an accessible platform stop will be constructed at Stop 136 Alfred Square on The Esplanade. Further works to complete this stop will continue for approximately two weeks after the track works have finished.

Service changes
Route 3a, 16, 78/79 and 96 will be affected during the works. Tram replacement buses will be running. 

Road closures
The intersection of Fitzroy Street and Canterbury Road/Grey Street will be closed to road traffic from approximately 11:30pm Friday 10 June and 5am Monday 13 June. It will then reopen.

Fitzroy Street (south of Grey Street) and The Esplanade will be closed to road traffic from approximately 5am Monday 13 June until 5am Saturday 18 June.