Tram Route 48 (North Balwyn-Docklands) will be changed from September 2009 and will travel via Collins Street instead of Flinders Street, and extended to Victoria Harbour. The current route will turn right from Wellington Parade into Spring Street and then left into Collins Street, providing a direct run into Victoria Harbour.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the new Route 48 service would provide a direct link between the heart of the CBD, Southern Cross Station and the Victoria Harbour precinct of Docklands.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to build the best transport network in Australia and with the continued growth of Docklands, there is a greater need for public transport links to this increasingly vibrant community and business hub,” Ms Kosky said.

Once complete, trams will link the CBD and Docklands from Flinders, Collins, Bourke and La Trobe Streets via Routes 31, 48, 70, 86 and the City Circle.

“Work is already underway to extend the Collins Street tram tracks into Victoria Harbour, across Harbour Esplanade to Merchant Street,” Ms Kosky said.

Major track works will be undertaken over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend from 6 to 8 June at the intersection of Collins and Spring Streets, and in Macarthur Street between Collins Street and Albert Street.

Other major works will be undertaken at the intersection of Spring Street and Flinders Street intersection from 19 to 22 June. The impact of these works on residents, traders and the transport network is being minimised wherever possible and prior notification has been provided to affected parties.

It's believed the free City Circle Tram will also start running down Docklands Drive by the start of June, making it even easier to access NewQuay, Waterfront City, Harbour Town and the soon-to-open Costco.

The extension of the City Circle will co-incide with the beginning of the
Ignite@Docklands festival, see our events page for more details.