86 Tram Corridor

The coolest street in the world is getting some tram stop upgrades.

Throughout June the State Government sought community feedback on their draft plan for improving accessibility of the Northcote and Thornbury sections of the Tram Route 86 until 1 July 2024.

Darebin City Council has advocated for many years to make this tram route easier, safer and more accessible for users. To provide feedback to this draft plan, we also undertook detailed analysis of the corridor. This was to understand what gaps exist along High Street to help inform our advocacy asks for this project.

Our proposal Destination High Street(PDF, 7MB) outlines Council's priorities for what we’d like to see delivered through the State Government Tram Route 86 corridor planning project. It outlines our advocacy asks for the life of the project – from design through to construction. It was endorsed by Council at its 17 June 2024 meeting.

View our submission: Destination High Street(PDF, 7MB)

Stay up to date on the project via the: Route 86 Tram Corridor website

Council's key advocacy priorities include:

• Supporting the future roll out of Kerb Extension tram stops, as they will integrate seamlessly into the streetscape, expanding the public open space for people to enjoy. They also provide a seamless transition from the footpath to the accessible platform, without having to negotiate crossing the road carriageway.
• Ensuring tram stops are positioned and designed to support safer, more accessible pedestrian and cycling connections, including new signalised pedestrian crossings and safer cycling access through the stops.
• Ensuring movement network improvements are included, such as changes to signals at key intersections or slip lane closures.
• Increased public open space, greening and civic realm improvement such as artwork and new custom street furniture.
• Shelters, lighting, real-time passenger display information are provided at each tram stop.
• As businesses are at the heart of this destination, deliver a proactive approach to disruption managed and business support. Mitigate disruption and design impacts on businesses and the community.
• Ensuring this is prioritised for delivery in the next State budget, along with improving the accessibility of the Preston and Reservoir sections of the corridor.