Re: [Melb] Burnley Tunnel closure

["Johann Fan" <jyf-x@optusnet.com.au>]

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