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Major tram stops set for an upgrade

Major tram stops set for an upgrade

Two of Southbank’s most prominent tram stops will be upgraded as part of Public Transport Victoria’s (PTV) Route 96 project.

While the plan is still at the consultation stage, major changes have been mooted for Stop 124 – World Trade Centre (city-side of the river) and Stop 125 – Port Junction (Whiteman St).

Both stops have been identified as needing better access for disabled passengers and will become Centre Island Platform Stops.

Under the plan, Stop 124 will stay in its current location and a central island will be incorporated to allow better and safer access.

The changes are designed to cater for more passengers, while maintaining the stop’s connectivity to walking and bicycle paths through Batman Park.

Stop 125’s changes are more complicated. It will also be upgraded to a Central Island Platform Stop, but will have a third platform added.

The Melbourne Tramcar Restaurant will have its own track and platform and Route 112 will be separated from Routes 96 and 109. The report also recommends removing Stop 124b, which sees the trams stop on Spencer St, before turning into Whiteman St.

The changes to Stop 125 would happen in three stages.

A spokesperson from PTV told Southbank Local News that the changes were part of the State Government’s $800 million tram upgrade program.

“The project aims to improve the reliability of this busy tram route and provide level access stops along the length of Route 96 to ensure it is accessible to all people at all times,” the spokesperson said.

“To meet these objectives, the Route 96 Project Team has developed concept designs which provide priority for trams and focus on moving more people, more efficiently.”

The spokesperson also pointed out that these plans were still very much at a consultative stage and more feedback was encouraged.

“As part of the project, PTV is currently seeking feedback on the proposed concept design for Stop 124 – World Trade Centre and Stop 125 Port Junction tram interchange,” the spokesperson explained.

“It is important to note these are only draft proposals. PTV has had a fantastic response to community consulation so far, with more than 600 submissions received.”

Public consultation on the project closes on August 31. 

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