>Did the 8-10 km of new BG track from Spencer Street over new Yarra
> bridge ever carry any freight to wharf area?
>
>I think it was available about 10 years but
>
>Any reports on cost and date of construction?
A magnificent white elephant.... I remember at the time that there was
some debate that dual gauge sleepers should be installed (being all
concrete sleepers, you can't drill new holes 6.5" in), but the Powers
That Be didn't think SG would ever be serious in Vic. I commute to
work past the line and even remember seeing G classes on the line.
The line had been out of use for some years, due to policy changes in
the use of Webb Dock.... becoming more of a roll-on/roll-off port
rather than containers, and the desire to use trucks rather than
trains.
When the diversion line around the edge of old Melbourne Yard was
built to connect MFT to West Tower, the connection to Webb Dock was
severed. ( I've put a photo of A71 on 9461 down Maryvale Goods
departing MFT past the remnants of Melbourne Yard - taken from West
Tower, Feb '98 on my homepage - see
http://people.enternet.com.au/~steam4me).
Apparently the rail bridge over the Yarra is to be converted to a
footbridge.
As an aside, I note that late last year City Link said it would ban
the use of B-triples between Webb Dock and Footscray Road/Docklands
Highway, saying that the wear and tear on the road and bridge would be
unacceptable. Obviously City Link are building weaker roads than
VicRoads do, as B-triples run Melbourne - Geelong.
Yuri
--
"Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes."