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.

Upcoming works

In August, we will install a new overhead gantry, along with overhead wires, underground conduits, and pits.

These works will help connect the new Port Melbourne Substation to the Yarra Trams power network.

When

These works will take place 24 hours a day, including overnight. From 2am, Friday 14 August to 4am, Tuesday 18 August.

What to expect

– Vehicles, machinery and contractors onsite.

– Low to moderate levels of noise at times while we excavate the area.

– From the first tram service on Friday 14 August to last tram Monday 17 August, buses will replace trams on Route 109 between Stop 1

– Southern Cross Station and Stop 129 – Port Melbourne – Beacon Cove.

– For safety, footpaths will be closed, detours will be in place, please follow the signage

around the detours.

– There will be minor lane or some parking closures along Station Street.

– There may be short delays (up to 5 minutes) for vehicles on Bridge Street to allow for construction vehicles to access and exit the rail reserve.

– Additional bus replacements will be in place for special events if required – please check https://transport.vic.gov.au/disruptions/ disruptions-information for more information.

There will be minor lane and parking closures along Station Street and Bridge Street from late July to mid August while we complete preparation works, including excavation and installation of electrical infrastructure in Hester Reserve.

We appreciate your patience while these works are completed and apologise for the inconvenience.