Melbourne Route 48 Adjusts for Freeway Work
Route 48 tram splits into two sections on four weekends in 2026 due to freeway closure
Route 48 Splits Service Two Weekends in 2026
Melbourne's Route 48 tram will run in two separate sections on four days next year, requiring riders to walk between stops to complete their trips. Yarra Trams announced the service changes will affect travel between North Balwyn and Victoria Harbour Docklands on April 18-19 and May 9-10, 2026. The split service runs from 10am to 9pm each day due to traffic impacts from the Eastern Freeway closure.
Freeway Work Forces Service Split
The Eastern Freeway closure will create traffic conditions that prevent Route 48 trams from operating continuously along their normal path, according to Yarra Trams. The route typically connects North Balwyn in Melbourne's eastern suburbs with Victoria Harbour Docklands near the city center, serving residential and commercial areas along the corridor. Officials said the weekend timing aims to minimize disruption to weekday commuters who rely on the route for work trips. Transit agencies typically split tram routes when road closures or construction make continuous operation unsafe or impractical.
Riders Must Walk Between Two Stops
Passengers heading to North Balwyn will ride trams from Victoria Harbour Docklands to Stop 26 at Barkers Road and Church Street, then walk to Stop 29 at High Street and Barkers Road to board a second tram. Riders traveling toward the docklands will take trams from North Balwyn to Stop 29 at Barkers Road and High Street, walk to Stop 26, then continue on another tram. Stop 29 also serves Route 109, providing an alternative connection for some trips. Officials didn't specify the walking distance between the two stops or whether shuttle buses will supplement service.
Changes Span Four Days Across Two Months
The split service takes effect Saturday, April 18, 2026, and continues through Sunday, April 19, operating from 10am to 9pm both days. The same service pattern returns Saturday, May 9, through Sunday, May 10, during identical hours. Yarra Trams said the two separate weekends correspond to planned Eastern Freeway closure periods, though officials didn't provide details about the freeway work schedule or whether additional service changes might be needed.
Riders Should Plan Extra Travel Time
Passengers should expect longer trip times due to the required walk between tram sections and potential wait times for connecting services. Yarra Trams advised riders to plan their journeys in advance, particularly for time-sensitive trips during the affected weekends. Moovit provides real-time Route 48 updates and alternative route suggestions for Melbourne tram riders navigating service changes.
