In reality they were laying new tram track for the new island platform tram stop in Flinders Street. This involved replacing the crossing (the bit that looks like a #) with Swanston Street and the track for a whole block between there and Elizabeth Street. I'm not sure that an island is the best way to go,as trams are set up for left hand loading (although it inevitably happens at the end of every tram line), but one good thing to come out of it is a much needed set of mid block pedestrian lights. These are particularly needed on weekends and late at night when the Degraves Street subway is closed. I rugularly jay walk there on weekends.
Incidentaly they broke through the roof of the Degraves street Subway during the demolition of the tram line, and as of Tuesday it was still closed. There are a number of business' in the subway who no doubt will be seeking compensation for loss of trade. From memory there is a newsagent, a number of small boutiques, a barber and an internet cafe.
4 comments:
The subway had re-opened by Thursday morning, as had the newsagent; not sure about the other shops. Looks like the worst damage was done to one of the shops on the western side.
Hmmm. I don't know if Melbourne's run-down. In what way? I've always disliked Sydney.
Daniel - Yes I noticed it was open this morning.
Reuben - Perhaps run down is the wrong way to put it, but somehow to me things in Sydney appear a bit neater, newer and less rough around the edges. I especially notice this in regard to public transport as it's primary means of getting about in Sydney. Somehow the trains seem smoother, there were buses everywhere even on a Sunday (I suppose we make up for that in trams) even out in the suburbs, and that the rail stations are neat and tidy and they are all staffed. Perhaps my Melbourne inferiority complex is coming through...
Sydney is a richer city. More racist to - but at least the public transport network there is being expanded and is publicly run (although inefficiently by the sounds of things).
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