New level access platform stop on Flinders St at Russell St - 18 to 25 July
Friday 3 July 2015
As part of the modernisation of Melbourne's tram network, Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) will be constructing a level access platform stop on Flinders Street at the corner of Russell Street. Track maintenance will also be carried out during the platform construction period.
With the addition of the new stop, the accessible platform will complete the upgrade of one of Melbourne's busiest tram corridors and provide full accessibility between Spring Street and Docklands.
Service changes
Information about service changes during the project can be found via this link.
If you are travelling to the International Champions Cup on 18, 21 or 24 July, extra tram services will be running to Jolimont/MCG via Collins Street. Information about these extra trams can be found via this link.
Supporting the local community
Yarra Trams is working closely with the City of Melbourne to minimise the impact of the work on local traders, residents and workers. For any specific concerns during the project, please call 1800 800 007 (6am to midnight).
Traffic management
The major work will take place from 18 to 25 July 2015. During this time, the following traffic changes will apply.
- Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July - there will be a full closure of Flinders Street from west of Spring Street to west of Russell Street. One lane east bound on Flinders Street turning north into Russell Street will be maintained.
- Monday 20 July - Flinders Street will be closed east of Spring Street to the east of Russell Street. Russell Street will be opened to traffic travelling north to west as well as west to north. The intersection of Flinders Street and Exhibition Street (including Batman Avenue and the CityLink Bridge) will reopen at 5am Tuesday 21 July.
- From 5am Tuesday 21 July to 5am Saturday 25 July - Flinders Street will remain closed from east of Russell Street to west of Exhibition Street.
Pedestrians
The work zones will be fenced off during construction work for safety reasons. Full access to traders and businesses within the work zone will be maintained however.
Why is the new platform stop being built?
Flinders Street is one of Melbourne's busiest tram corridors and a key route for passengers travelling to major events in the sport and entertainment precinct. Three tram routes operate along Flinders Street. Route 70 and 75 link the eastern suburbs with Docklands and route 35 services the City Circle.
Existing safety zone stops at Russell Street and Exhibition Street experience significant usage each weekday.
The new stop will complete accessibility upgrades for this section of the network with all stops providing level access between Spring Street and Victoria Harbour.
What are the benefits of the new stop?
Benefits of the new stop will include:
- easier and safer access to trams
- increased protection from road traffic
- real-time passenger information
- improved passenger amenity including shelters, lighting and seating.
Changes to Flinders Street
Three loading bays and two 15 minute car parks located on the north side of Flinders Street between Russell and Exhibition Streets will be removed.
Two additional car parks and the reconfiguration of 12 existing car parks located on the south side of Flinders Street between Russell and Exhibition Streets will provide:
- two disabled car parks
- three loading bay car parks
- nine two hour car parks.
A new pedestrian crossing will be installed mid-block on Flinders Street between Russell and Exhibition Street.
Work schedule
| Early work activities | Approximate start and end times | Noise levels |
| Pre-welding, signal works, pipe installation & drainage installation (including road re-construction) | Monday 13 July to Saturday 18 July from 7am to 7pm daily | Moderate |
| Stringing of rail, signal works, pipe installation & drainage installation (including road re-construction) | Monday 13 July to Saturday 18 July from 7pm to 7am daily. | Moderate to high |
| Major work activity | Approximate start and end times | Noise levels |
| Removal and reconstruction of tram tracks | Saturday 18 July to Saturday 25 July: 24 hours per day | High |
| Construction of new tram platform | Saturday 18 July to Saturday 25 July: 24 hours per day | Moderate to high |
| Post occupation activities | Approximate start and end times | Noise levels |
| Completion of new platforms and minor civil & signal work | Saturday 25 July to Sunday 6 August. 7am to 5pm | Low to moderate |
For any specific concerns regarding access to your business or property during the project, please call 1800 800 007 (6am - midnight daily).