The Victorian government will replace over a kilometre of tram track in Melbourne from Saturday, March 21 until Monday, March 30.
The track on Plenty Road will be replaced to improve services on Route 86, said Minister for Public Transport, Melissa Horne.
“We’re getting on with these works so we can deliver better services for passengers to get them where they need to go.”
The $3 million worth of work will also involve the installation of 15 new power poles, in addition to underground cables and overhead wires.
To avoid extensive disruption, work will be carried out around the clock during the period, however buses will replace trams during this period between Miller/High Streets in Thornbury and the Bundoora terminus.
According to data released in 2018, Route 86 is the third busiest route in Melbourne’s tram network, and the work will improve the route for those who travel upon it, said Member for Bundoora, Colin Brooks.
“Route 86 is one of our busiest tram routes – these works will help deliver a safer and more reliable ride.”
Specifically, the track replacement work will take place on Plenty Road between the Metropolitan Ring Road, Bundoora, and Bell Street, Preston.
Trams will still run between Docklands and Miller/High Street.
While work is underway, Plenty Road between Pender Street and Bell Street will be closed to traffic in both directions from Saturday, March 21 until Monday, March 30. One lane will be closed between the Metropolitan Ring Road and Kingsbury Drive from Saturday, March 28 until Monday, March 30. Minister for Preston, Robin Scott, said that this should not stop locals from patronising businesses along the route.
“Businesses along Plenty Road will stay open while these vital works take place and we should all continue to support them as these vital works are delivered.”
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