Route 70 Trams Adjusted for Rail Square Work
Route 70 trams replaced by buses between Camberwell Depot and Wattle Park for rail work
Route 70 Trams Cut for Riversdale Rail Work
Melbourne's Route 70 trams won't run between Stop 39 Camberwell Depot and Wattle Park starting Monday evening, April 27, as Yarra Trams makes way for Riversdale Rail Square construction. Replacement buses will operate on diverted routes through nearby streets from 8pm until the last scheduled service. The work affects one of Melbourne's busier east-west tram corridors connecting Docklands to the city's eastern suburbs.
Context & Background
The Riversdale Rail Square project requires temporary closure of several tram stops along Riversdale Road, prompting the service modification. Yarra Trams said the work necessitates splitting Route 70 into two operating segments with bus connections bridging the gap. Transit agencies typically implement such changes during evening hours to minimize disruption to peak commuter traffic. The work represents ongoing infrastructure improvements along Melbourne's tram network, though officials haven't specified the project's completion timeline or total scope.
Key Details
Toward Wattle Park, buses will replace trams between Stop 39 Camberwell Depot and Wattle Park, diverting via Trafalgar, Prospect Hill, and Spencer roads. In the opposite direction toward Waterfront City Docklands, buses will run between Wattle Park and Stop 37 Tooronga Road using the same diversion route. Route 70 trams will continue operating between Waterfront City Docklands and Stop 39 Camberwell Depot, and separately between Stop 37 Tooronga Road and Waterfront City Docklands. Yarra Trams said replacement buses are low-floor accessible vehicles running at normal frequency, though delays are possible due to congestion in the work area.
Timeline & Implementation
The service changes take effect Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8pm and continue until the last tram of the evening. Yarra Trams hasn't announced whether the modifications will extend beyond that single evening or if additional work nights are planned. Temporary replacement bus stops will be positioned near closed tram stops, with signage directing passengers to alternative boarding locations. Officials said riders should follow posted signs to find their nearest stop during the disruption.
Rider Impact & Moovit
Passengers traveling through the affected Riversdale Road section should expect longer journey times due to bus diversions and potential traffic congestion. Yarra Trams advised riders to plan ahead for the service changes. Transport Victoria offers trip planning assistance at 1800 800 007 for passengers needing alternative routing. Moovit provides real-time updates for Melbourne's tram network, including Route 70 service alerts and replacement bus tracking during construction-related disruptions.
