Re: [Melb] Burnley Tunnel closure

[Chris Brownbill <cbrnbill@enternet.com.au>]

Johann Fan wrote:
> 
> David McLoughlin <davemcl@NO***damned***SPAMiprolink.co.nz> wrote in message
> 3a9358dd@news.iprolink.co.nz">news:3a9358dd@news.iprolink.co.nz...
> > Today and yesterday I have been reading in the online Age about the
> > closure of the new Burnley toll tunnel because of water and shifting.
> > The articles have mentioned the traffic problems this has caused.
> >
> > But there has been no mention of what the closure has done to the trams.
> > All the articles have been about the longer trips for private motorists.
> >
> > The 8-Toorak and 70-Wattle Park routes are directly affected by this.
> > Kennett even had some deal to abolish clearways in Toorak Rd to slow
> > down the No 8 trams when that tunnel opened, to encourage tram
> > passengers into their cars. The "dynamic fairway" of the Bracks regime
> > that was supposed to help the 8 trams despite Kennett's sordid deal has
> > failed to eventuate.
> >
> > Can anyone say what the effect on the trams has been with this closure?
> >
> The clearways are still there because Transurban decided not take up the
> right to remove them (I think under pressure from Batchelor). I haven't been
> out to Toorak Rd but Swan St is pretty busy anyway from all the toll dodgers
> normally. =) Route 70 trams still seem to run pretty much on time (as on
> time as they can be during peak hour).
> 
> On a different note, Connex and Bayside should now be promoting on the radio
> during peak hours to remind drivers there is an alternative =)
> 
> cheers
> Johann


Its not directly related to the tunnel problems, but I saw a B-class
tram on the Toorak route 8 the other day for the first time.