Bendigo Tramways depot supervisor Luke Jenkins has said the tram track repairs in Bendigo will likely finish before Tuesday’s scheduled reopening. 

Three curves of track were being repaired due to wear and tear from longtime use.  

EARLIER: Three separate locations along Bendigo’s tram route will be temporarily closed this weekend for urgent repairs. 

The operation by City of Greater Bendigo will see staff work around the clock and involve partial closures of High Street and some adjoining streets from 6am Saturday until 2am Monday morning.

Detours will be put in place to allow the works to be undertaken at the intersections of Violet and High Street, Nolan and Bridge Streets and Caledonia Street and Weeroona Avenue.

City of Greater Bendigo interim director Ian Couper said the work is required because of excessive wear on the tram tracks at three curves in the tram route.

“Bendigo Tramways is an important asset for residents and visitors to Greater Bendigo and the work will involve the removal of existing rails, installation of new rail and the reinstatement of the tracks concrete bedding and road pavements,” Mr Couper said. 

“A special fast setting concrete will also be used so that the roadways can be re-opened in the shortest possible time.

“The ongoing safe operation of the tramways is the subject of continuous monitoring and maintenance, much of which is carried out without the need to close down the highway however the excessive wear on the rails has now reached the point whereby the major works are required as a matter of urgency.

“The city apologises for any inconvenience that the urgent works may cause over the weekend.”

Bendigo Heritage Attractions acting chief executive officer Wayne Gregson said Bendigo’s heritage tram operation is one of the most photographed and experienced icons of Bendigo, but as with any heritage asset, keeping it in good operating condition is always a challenge, especially when it sits right at the heart of a modern city and modern city traffic.

“Some sections of the track can date back 50 years or more and this weekend’s work is a major step in keeping our cherished trams operating for future generations,” Mr Gregson said.

“A great deal of planning has gone into the project to make sure that any inconvenience is kept to an absolute minimum.

“Bendigo Heritage is enormously grateful to the City of Greater Bendigo and the state and local agencies involved in this project, including Transport Safety Victoria and VicRoads.”