RE: Regarding Z3 230.Nth.Fitzroy.
Roy Winslow
Monday, February 18, 2002 12:39 AM
Indeed - Mid 1987 - St Kilda was converted first, with
Port Melbourne later in the year. Both heavy rail lines closed at the same time
though (earlier in 1987). To reduce the time that no rail service would be
provided, much of the preparationary work was done whilst trains were still
operating. I don't know if it is still the case, but at St Kilda Station, the
tramline skirts the old rail platform and enters Fitzroy Street. The platform
and broad gauge track remained in situ well after the light rail opened and the
project was completed. Other rail reminders still exist, such as the
stations buildings and high level platforms, railway cantenary supports, the
Yarra River Bridge, etc. However, the remainder of the viaduct and embankment
between the bridge and Clarendon Street was removed in the early 1990's to make
way for the Crown Casino. Prior to this, there was an action group calling for
the lightrail to be operated directly into Flinder's Street Station rather
than battle the city road traffic.
Any
news on what is happening with the remainder of the rail
bridge?
Another interesting point is that the former VR broad
gauge St Kilda - Brighton Beach tramway terminated in front of the station
at St Kilda. When I was last there in 1999, you could still make out the head of
the rails for the two terminating tracks peeking out from the
bitumen. When this line was constructed prior to the first world war, it
was planned that it could be extended via the rail line into town.
Indeed, a rail connection did exist between the two for many years for stock
transfers to Newport Workshops. So the light rail conversion was mooted way back
then, not just the mid 1980's!
Roy
Winslow
Brookton WA
-----Original Message----->I can't remember when the St Kilda light rail line was put in, but the decision to do so was reached after the "Lonie Report".
From: Michael Walker [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 6:17 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TramsDownUnder] Regarding Z3 230.Nth.Fitzroy.
Excellent summation Bob, including many things I didn't know.
From memory it was around 1986-87 that the train line was closed, converted and reopened as a tram line. I can have a look when I get home for more exact details.
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