Level access tram stops
What’s happening
Many of Melbourne’s tram stops are being upgraded so that they provide improved access to trams. The new level access tram stops provide safer waiting areas and comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (2002).
As at March 28, 2012, 350 of the 1775 tram stops in Melbourne have been upgraded.
Specific Projects
Macarthur Street
Two upgraded tram stops have opened in the CBD on Macarthur Street.
The easy access tram stops have been built on Macarthur Street, between St Andrews Place and Spring Street, a busy pedestrian hub.
The new stops have replaced the previous kerbside Stop 10 in both directions.
More information and updates are available on the VicRoads website at vicroads.vic.gov.au (link opens in a new window).
Travancore, Flemington
Two new pairs of level access tram stops are being constructed on Mt Alexander Road at Travancore and Flemington as part of a transport improvements project.
The Travancore & Flemington Transport Improvements Project has improved safety and tram priority through this busy section of Route 59. Construction commenced in December 2011 and included road widening at Debneys Park and the renewal and realignment of the tram tracks to separate trams from traffic, providing trams with a tram-only corridor in the city bound direction.
There are a number of ongoing improvements which are integral to the transport improvements. These include improved and new traffic signal operations as well as the construction of two pairs of new level access tram stops to replace the kerbside tram stop at Stop 23 and the safety zone tram stop at Stop 22. These improvements will be completed in mid 2012.
More information and updates are available on the VicRoads website at vicroads.vic.gov.au (link opens in a new window).
Bridge Road
Construction of two pairs of Easy Access Stops on Bridge Road in Richmond are due to start later this year as part of the State Government's commitment to improve accessibility for all on the tram network.
Following a three-month community consultation process conducted by VicRoads and the Department of Transport, the preferred locations of these stops have now been finalised. For more information, download and view Outcomes of ''Have your say" (PDF) 1.66 MB.
More information and updates are available on the VicRoads website at vicroads.vic.gov.au (link opens in a new window)
Swanston Street Redevelopment Project
Stage 2 of the Swanston Street Redevelopment project started in February 2012. These works include construction of level access tram stops at City Square, between Flinders Lane and Collins Street and Bourke Street Mall, between Bourke Street and Little Bourke Street. Works will continue until late June 2012.
New level access tram stops were created outside the State Library as part of Stage One of the project.
For more information see the Swanston Street Tram Project.
Royal Children’s Hospital
A pair of new level access stops have been built outside the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). The stops are 66 metres long and feature fenced walkways providing safe access to the traffic signals at both Abbotsford Street and the entrance to the new hospital. The new stops provide more space and a safer environment for parents with prams and people with mobility aids to move around.
The recently upgraded RCH stop has now also been treated to an injection of fun. Check out the photos at yarratrams.com.au to see the excitement which Jake the Doctor Dog has delivered to the stop.
Types of level access stops
Platform Stop
Platform stops are raised and located in the middle of a road along side the tram tracks.
Central Island Platform Stop
A Central Island Platform Stop is a raised platform located in the middle of a road between the tram tracks.
Easy Access Stop (EAS)
An Easy Access Stop is located in the kerbside lane. The road pavement in the kerbside lane is raised to allow passengers level access from the footpath waiting area across the road to the tram.
Kerb Extension Stop
A Kerb Extension Stop extends from the footpath out to the tram tracks. Some kerb extension stops include a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
