Melbourne Route 48 Trams Split for Weekend
Route 48 trams split into sections May 16-17 due to Eastern Freeway closure impacts
Route 48 Trams Run in Sections May 16-17
Melbourne's Route 48 tram will operate in separate sections this weekend, requiring riders to walk between stops to complete their journeys. Yarra Trams announced the service changes for Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 10am to 9pm both days due to traffic impacts from the Eastern Freeway closure. Passengers traveling the full route will need to transfer between tram sections at stops along Barkers Road.
Freeway Closure Forces Service Split
The Eastern Freeway closure is creating traffic congestion that prevents Route 48 trams from operating their normal continuous service between North Balwyn and Victoria Harbour Docklands. Transit agencies typically split routes into sections during major road closures to maintain partial service while managing traffic delays that would otherwise cause systemwide disruptions. Yarra Trams said the sectioned operation allows the route to continue serving both endpoints despite road conditions. Officials didn't specify which lanes or sections of the Eastern Freeway are closed or how long the closure will last beyond the weekend.
Walking Transfer Required Between Stops
Riders will need to walk between Stop 26 at Barkers Road/Church Street and Stop 29 at High Street/Barkers Road to transfer between the two tram sections. Passengers heading to North Balwyn will board one section of Route 48, walk to the connecting stop, then board a second tram to complete their trip. The same transfer process applies for riders traveling to Victoria Harbour Docklands in the opposite direction. Officials didn't provide the walking distance between the two stops or estimated transfer times.
Weekend-Only Disruption Ends Sunday
The split service operates only during the specified hours on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026. Route 48 will resume normal continuous operations after 9pm Sunday evening, Yarra Trams confirmed. Officials didn't say whether similar disruptions might occur on future weekends if the Eastern Freeway closure extends beyond this weekend or whether weekday service will be affected.
Riders Should Plan Extra Travel Time
Passengers should expect longer trip times this weekend due to the required walking transfer and potential wait times for connecting trams. Yarra Trams advised riders to plan journeys in advance, though officials didn't specify how much additional time to allow for transfers. Moovit provides real-time Route 48 departure times and service updates to help riders navigate the temporary split service and plan connections between tram sections.
