Harbour Esplanade new works update

Works to transform Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade into a new harbourside destination are progressing well, but VicUrban has revised its planned traffic closures.

VicUrban previously advised that Harbour Esplanade would be closed from Monday, August 30 to Friday, September 3 but has delayed the closure to minimise disruption to football traffic and other major events.

The road between Bourke and Latrobe streets will now be closed later in the year to transfer trams onto the new tracks.

The delay will also allow for all necessary underground services to be completed before the tram services change over.

A VicUrban spokesperson said VicUrban and Yarra Trams would provide further information regarding the five-day closure in due course.

“The new tram tracks have been positioned in the centre of the road between Bourke and LaTrobe streets, and construction of the tram crossing at the Dudley Street / Docklands Drive intersection has commenced,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the first stage of works, between Bourke St and Docklands Drive, were due for completion in 2011.

“[The works] will result in the creation of a tree-lined boulevard, dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, and the realignment of tram tracks into the centre of the roadway, to provide additional parkland and recreational space,” the spokesperson said.

Construction has started on the pedestrian footpath on the eastern side of Harbour Esplanade and the majority of trees between Bourke and LaTrobe streets have now been removed.

Towards the end of this year more than 200 mature Norfolk Island Pines will be planted to replace the palms.

“The palm trees that have been removed along Harbour Esplanade have been relocated to the Established Tree Transplanters Nursery at Hoddles Creek while works take place, and will later be replanted at an alternative location within Docklands.”

To stay informed with the progress of Stage 1 works, visit http://www.docklands.com or to be provided with updates via an electronic newsletter, please email [email protected].