Port Melbourne tram substation

We’re revitalising Melbourne’s tram network to meet the city’s future needs and growing demand.

Upgrades to our tram fleet and infrastructure will make travel more reliable, efficient and convenient.

First, we need to increase the power supply to the tram network in Port Melbourne by building a new subtation in the rail reserve near the tram line and Bridge Street.

Upgrading the tram power supply on Route 109 will lead to smoother rides and reduce sudden stops,
which can be uncomfortable and add to delays in journeys and traffic congestion.

The new substation will take about a year to build and will be completed in three stages:

Stage 1: Service installation and site mobilisation – January 2026 to February 2026.

Stage 2: Construction of the new substation and equipment installation – February 2026 to
November 2026.

Stage 3: Testing, commissioning and completion of the new substation – December 2026 to
January 2027.

Most of the work will occur 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm, Saturday.

For any work outside of these hours we will provide advanced notification.

Pole installation works

We’ll be installing poles between Evans Street and the new Port Melbourn Substation in July.

When

Pole installation works will take place in two stages:
– 10pm to 5am each night, Monday 6 July to Wednesday 8 July, to prepare the holes for the pole install.
– 10pm to 5am each night, Monday 20 July to Thursday 23 July, to install the poles.

These works needs to take place at night to ensure the safety of our workers and to minimise impacts to the tram network.

What to expect
– Vehicles, machinery and contractors onsite.
– Low to moderate levels of noise at times while we prepare the holes for the pole install by using a
water powered hose.
– There will be no impacts to pedestrian or vehicle access around the area and no loss of parking
during these works.
We appreciate your patience while these works are completed and apologise for the inconvenience.