New tram stops for St Kilda Rd

Three new platform tram stops will be built along St Kilda Rd following an announcement the state Government will sink $6 million into tram stops along the busy commercial strip.

The new stops will be constructed at the intersections of Commercial Rd, High St and Union Rd, which will replace Stop 28 at Raleigh St.

Transport Minister Martin Pakula said the St Kilda Rd revamp would improve the speed with which passengers are able to board and disembark from trams.

“St Kilda Rd is the busiest section of Melbourne’s tram network,” Pakula said in a statement.

“It is crucial that infrastructure is improved along this corridor which carries around 34 million passengers every year.

“During peak periods, trams run every 60 seconds along St Kilda Rd and passengers will benefit from safer waiting areas and improved shelters.”

Prahran MP Tony Lupton said the upgrade to raise platforms would ensure the tram service along St Kilda Rd is more compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

“The new raised platforms provide improved access to all trams and particularly low-floor trams,” he said.

“Each platform will have upgraded facilities with seating in three passenger shelters and tram service information with ‘tram tracker’ display screens,” he said.

Construction of the new stops began on the weekend.

Drivers should expect some changes to traffic lanes, turns and parking during construction.

info: Visit www.thinktram.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 309 571.