Construction to begin soon on Maidstone tram maintenance & stabling facility

As part of the Victorian Government’s $1.85 billion Next Generation Trams investment, a new tram maintenance and stabling facility is going to be built at Maidstone and construction is set to begin in November 2024. 

From 7 to 27 November, sections of Hampstead, Williamson and Wests roads will be closed to enable the installation of overhead poles and wiring as well as the laying out of new tracks that will link to the future stabling facility. 

During this period, detours will be observed for bus routes 215, 406 and 408 and some bus stops on Hampstead and Williamson roads will be closed. 

Meanwhile, from 15 November until the last service on 28 November, buses will be replacing trams on Route 82. 

“We are improving our tram network, and the new maintenance facility in Maidstone will make sure we have more trams, more often in Melbourne’s west. 

“We’d like to thank people for their patience while crews work to lay tram tracks next month. Please plan ahead and allow extra time while crews work around the clock,” Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said. 

Project map (source: Engage Victoria)

The new Maidstone tram facility will maintain, clean and house the new modern fleet of accessible G Class trams in Melbourne’s west. 

Key features of the facility include: 

• Tram cleaning facilities 

• A track for testing trams 

• Administration and maintenance building which will be used for tram inspections, repairs and major tram maintenance to service the fleet 

• Facilities for tram drivers and employees 

• Stabling yard for up to 60 Next Generation Trams 

• Car and bike parking for drivers and employees 

Sustainability is at the forefront of the facility’s design. Some sustainability features include energy efficient LED lights, solar panels, recycled plastic materials and rainwater tanks. 

“The new tram maintenance facility will keep our modern tram fleet running safely and reliably with the new accessible trams servicing the residents of Melbourne’s inner west,” Member for Footscray Katie Hall said. 

The $1.85 billion Next Generation Trams investment will deliver 100 new G Class Trams which will be introduced on the network in 2025 to transport passengers on Routes 57, 59 and 82. 

This project will use at least 94 per cent locally made content and create approximately 280 local jobs during construction as well as ongoing maintenance and the supply of materials and services. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victorian Government – Maidstone tram maintenance and stabling facility; Engage Victoria; Star Weekly; Infrastructure Magazine