CLOSED FOREVER! The Tram Square & Railway Crossing at Glenhuntly Melbourne Australia

[@MervynPartin]

If I was a tram or train driver, I think that I would be glad to see the end of this crossing- the trams have quite a rough ride over it.

[@senorliamy17]

Every ride though a tram square is rough. Not made better by the fact that X'trapolises run where the tram squares are, which are now down to Kooyong and Riversdale.

[@125sloth]

I can remember when the tram squares were supposedly "updated" back in the late 60's and early 70's, there was a spring type mechanism below where tracks crossed, where the wheel flanges just touched it , to cushion the jolting from the where tracks met. Today it is back to how it was originally, although suspension on both trains and trams is much improved since the "old days".

[@Schony747]

I didn't know that. There is a wealth of information coming through the comments.

[@jonathantan2469]

Motorcyclists & moped riders will also be glad. A lot of unsuspecting riders probably wiped out going over that at speed.

[@SROM2229]

The tram keeps bouncing on the cross over

[@bewg]

i like the sound of the train wheels running by the tram tracks, has a rhythm to it

[@bwhugul]

1:10

[@Schony747]

Certainly does and it will be strange not to hear it anymore.

[@gorillaau]

I'd hate to be loving alongside that part of the track. Though getting to work would be simplified.

[@musicalaviator]

Dah Tunkutah tunkutah tunkutah tunkuta tunkuta tunkuta tun tut I recently did an Orchestral performance of an Australian composer who wrote a piece about Melbourne suburbs which had Orchestral "sound effects" embedded in the music. The "Cross Now" signal on padestrian crossings was a solo trumpet (me), but I was struggling to remember where that rhythm in the drums/oboe/flute was. And that's it. Tram square crossing sound.

[@Schony747]

It's a unique sound as well

[@mce_AU]

The mechanism for the voltage change-over is interesting to watch operate. It was opposite the signal box near the shops. Shame no one has filmed it changing over.

[@Schony747]

I didn't even know what to look for and that it even existed.. I'll head to Kooyong and see what I can film.

[@mce_AU]

@@Schony747 Yep. Good idea.

[@retabera]

​@@Schony747at 0:59 on the side of the overhead gantry there is a big grey box, I think that this is where the voltage changer is, but I wasn't aware that you can see any mechanical change. Come to think about it, it probably is mechanical, at least on the inside, so when switching it must make a noise. Also check out all the voltage isolation points on both the Tram and Train side, and trace how they are wired. Zoom as close as you can on the plate which Tram and Train pantographs share. Close up of the diamond track itself and how the wheel profiles differ, and how much wear it gets.

[@Kevin-go2dw]

Yes it was there on the gantry, downtrack signal box side. I spent at least one moment watching the lever move.

[@darylcheshire1618]

Now there is a T traffic light but I was fascinated by the ornate tram signal that rotated the red and green lenses. It also activated the points to the derail. You could see the groves where trams have derailed. The square had to replaced every few years as they wore out. It would have been a massive task. Be glad not to slow down.

[@125sloth]

I remember as a kid often watching the fire engine from Glenhuntly Fire Station, (an old International, but new back then), navigate around the closed boom gates at Glenhuntly station if on a call out. The driver of an up passenger train stopped at the platform would wave the fire engine through if safe. It was magic to watch back in the day. Later when I joined emergency services, we were often held up at closed boom gates, ( no more winding through them in later years), such as Glenhuntly, Ormond and McKinnon costing valuable time. Today it is a nightmare for all emergency services in general traffic, especially at peak times, as well as gates often down for ages. Arguably lives have been saved due to raised tracks and the removal of boom gates in recent times, and traffic flows so much better. I admit I liked the old manual operated gates, and how the operator, be it a signalman in the box on the big wheel, or gate attendant at the very old manual gates, (like the ones in Neerim Road back in the day), would try and get as many vehicles through as possible before closing the gates as the train approached. And still some idiots could not pull up after gates were closed for a fair while and still ran into them. Not an every day occurrence of course, but no excuse for it when it did occur.

[@Schony747]

Things have certainly changes and you certainly wouldn't get away with that these days. So much better and a slower pave back then.

[@andrewbergman9315]

Somehow since removal of the level crossing at Ormond North Road has actually become more congested not less, often backed up most of the way towards Tucker Road.

[@125sloth]

@@andrewbergman9315 A good point you raise Andrew, and it's because more drivers are using North Road now because the crossing has been removed. Vicroads apparently have said it can happen, but sorts itself out in a short time, Emergency services would be glad to only have to deal with conjested traffic they can actually get around for a little while, and not boom gates down for ages, totally stopping them.

[@125sloth]

Fair comment Andrew. The conjestion would be caused by more drivers using North Road since the crossing removal. Vicroads have apparently said it sorts itself out fairly quickly, and much of it is also people driving across the new infrastructure out of curiosity, and many will not be normally using it anyway. Let's see how right or wrong they are about that. I know emergency services would prefer to handle traffic conjestion that they can get around in most cases, than being held up for ages at boom gates where they can't go anywhere.

[@1044fan]

A great sound, when 2 trains are passing the crossing 👍🏻

[@Schony747]

And the unmistakable sound of the tram.

[@KerrynB-w1s]

I loved it as well! Well done you for capturing this for us all to watch Schoney!☺👍

[@jonathantan2469]

Not so if you live above the shops nearby...!

[@silianeoliveira4009]

True!

[@andrewpalm2103]

Thanks for this interesting video. Now it's very clear why that track inspection tram bounced so much in your previous video. I imagine the tram maintainers and track maintenance crew for that line will not be sad to see that crossing eliminated. The feature of switching the crossing voltage was also quite interesting. Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@Schony747]

The Glenhuntly Tram Drivers are also throwing a party as well!

[@Rheilffordd]

I greatly enjoyed this video, thanks for being out there and capturing this moment!

[@Schony747]

Thanks 😀😀

[@alanriley9754]

I still remember the old manually operated swing gates, the old station and station box, the old goods yard between Glenhuntly and Neerim Road and when there was only two sets of tracks. It will be interesting to see what eventuates from the changes ...

[@Schony747]

It has to be a good thing all of these changes. Less congestion for everyone.

[@125sloth]

When I was in the Investigation Branch of VR way back in the stone age, we used to get sent to the goods yard you speak of to catch kids mucking about there. No mobile phones in those days, just 2 way radios in vehicles, and often we just caught the train.. Anyway, the kids were often gone by the time we got there, but there was a great fish and chip shop in Glenhuntly Road which had the best Flake i have ever tasted. And real scallops, so fresh too. Flake was something like 18 cents a big piece, fried or grilled. It was worth the trip just for that. Those were the days.

[@alanriley9754]

@@125sloth flake at 18 cents would be around year 1975 ?

[@RGC198]

Thanks for sharing this video. Another tram/train level crossing now gone. There used to be four tram/train crossings in Melbourne, which actually made Melbourne quite unique in comparison to other Australian major cities. Not sure how many tram/train level crossings still operate now. The first one that I ever encountered was at Riversdale way back in 1967, when visiting Melbourne for the first time from Sydney. Since then, I have been living here in Melbourne, after moving down from Sydney in 1981 and I was quite surprised when discovering other train/tram level crossings operating here at that time.

[@andrewyoung3299]

There's only two now, Glenferrie Road at Kooyong Station and Riversdale Road at Riversdale Station. Where the Route 16 trams and the Glen Waverley line cross, and where the Route 70 trams and the Alamein line cross. So Riversdale Road is still there I believe

[@ctwentysevenj6531]

Elesternwick railway station tram/train crossing I believe was the first removal or grade separation of a tram/train crossing back in 1960.

[@RGC198]

@@andrewyoung3299 Thanks for updating me on that. I suppose it is only a matter of time before those final two level crossings go as well.

[@Schony747]

I'm not sure how many squares there were. The last 4 are the better known ones.

[@RGC198]

@@andrewyoung3299 I actually traveled across both of the remai8ning tram/train level crossings on last Monday May 15 2023.

[@Kevin-go2dw]

From the late 60's I would watch the action of the level crossing while mum was in a shop or the Commonwealth Bank (site is the mattress shop for lease). The signal box was on the end of the up platform, the departure signal had co-acting arms. The four road gates were mechanically operated by turning a large wheel. For a young kid, the noise of the wheels through the crossing was almost frightening. Latter, the station would be rebuilt with an additional platform and the old signal box removed and replaced with the cabinet you now see. On the up side of the crossing (where the cabinet is) use to be a siding, but I can recall little of it. On the tram side of things, the box would control the derails and disc signals, latter the discs were replaced by lights controlled by the cabinet, and latter the derails were removed. I was lucky enough one day to go into the cabinet and see its workings (Thank you D'arcy (dec)). I also heard of stories of trams being caught by the derail, either tram driver fault or error of the signalman. One day the contactor of the tram pole got tangled in the overhead and the tram need to use the front pole (but swung over the roof of the tram) to go to the depot. Road traffic was often held up. Sometimes over 5 minutes without moving. (Yes I did time it.) Around 6pm a freight train went through the crossing and also one, two or three passenger trains. It would be just your luck to also have a tram in front which would stop at the tram stop. For a long time there was a stop on both sides of the crossing, thank goodness that was reduced to one on the city side. The intersection at James St would also get grid locked with cars turning onto Glen Huntly Road to go across the crossing. Now I need to wait until the mid July, to be able to travel once more along Glen Huntly Road across the railway formation.

[@125sloth]

Until this year, when the Deer Park station and bus interchange upgrade was completed and the level crossing removed, it was a daily weekday occurrence for cars to be held up at the old crossing for over 25 minutes at peak times due to down and up Geelong trains being diverted through Deer Park, as well as regular trains.. The old Glenhuntly crossing was nothing like that where delays are concerned.yes watching the signalman operate the big wheel flat out was great to see. Many branch lines in the UK still have those wheels, (they were a UK invention, and actually sent to Australia for installation here). And now in the UK and France on dedicated high speed lines, there are no crossings, and no signals where the top speeds are reached., it's all done by circuits in the tracks.We will never have that sort of technology, or I should say the type of technology they have in the UK and Europe sadly, simply because we cannot have really fast trains by world standards. Even some third world countries have better systems than us.

[@Schony747]

Thanks for this. All of these historic comments are amazing.

[@davidimhoff2118]

It's always a shame to lose infrastructure like this. I find it fascinating about the voltage between the 2. Thanks for explaining it.

[@Schony747]

Thanks for having a look

[@jdillon8360]

As someone who lived in the area for quite some time, I can tell you I am thrilled to see it disappear. Yes, it was unique and the sound is pretty cool, but for moving around it was a real pain.

[@858493]

I was teaching LXRP, John Holland and V Line Staff amongst many others at the Rail Academy at Newport, before moving to the TAFE system as a teacher. Their is a preserved tramway squire as well as overhead from both Rail and Tramways for training purposes between the two Metro Train yards at Newport just on the UP (Side station side) of the old Tarp Shed..worth a look next time there is an open day...regards Doc

[@Schony747]

I know people there. It would be interesting to have a look.

[@danefilander6306]

Now you can see why the Trams have to go at a lower speed crossing 10km/h if you watch the front and the rear of the tram very carefully it does a bit of a bunny hop.

[@Schony747]

Yep and has been known to derail as well

[@johnhaller7017]

Sensational drumbeat bogies as passenger rail crossing north or south encounters the tramlines intersections.

[@Schony747]

Sensational sound but not great for the wheels 😀😀

[@johnhaller7017]

@@Schony747 Square wheels an option, but no longer needed!!

[@KenanTurkiye]

🚅 don't you all enjoy railroad 🚈 trams, trains etc are just so cool 🚞 take a ride in my ''transportation'' folder, (folder 4) :)

[@Schony747]

Public Transport is cool

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@Schony747 ....I'm sorry been so late, ahh yes it is and you have a wonderful day! :)

[@uncaians]

I remember when there was full closing gates before the boom gates on both sides of Glenhuntly rd. And about 1 km down the track near Caulfield racecourse there was a manually operated gates , attended by an operator...

[@Schony747]

They were the days. Wendouree in Ballarat had similar setups which I remember well.

[@125sloth]

Certainly was, and it was a dangerous job being a gatekeeper back in the day. And when they swung the gates shut by hand and the steel rod jumped out of the groove in the road instead of holding the gate shut, some gatekeepers were pissed off, especially in heavy rain, as they had to walk out to the centre of the road and lock/kick it in. But rarely did that happen, they had it down to a fine art as to how much effort it took to throw the gates shut and open. Still a few of those types of gates on less used branch lines in the UK too.

[@55metsfan]

Interesting rhythmic sounds as trains cross the tram tracks.

[@Schony747]

And the loud bump and crunch as the trams cross the train tracks

[@LSM_Lover]

Thats super cool about the voltage change!

[@Schony747]

Yep! I could see a tram being fried under 1500 volts!

[@pcorf]

Love the sound over the crossings especially when two trains pass each other. I reckon the older trams would be rattled around badly by it too.

[@Schony747]

The older Ws were built like a tank. So while they would have felt something, they survived pretty well

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

Seem to recall that way back when the trams had a pole rather than a pantograph, there would often be an almighty spark as they crossed the train line

[@Schony747]

The crossing pan was different then as well. There is still a couple of examples left such as Chapel St and Toorak Road. It was a flat circle and there were grooves cut out so the pole could travel through. It looked like a pizza cut into 4 quarters

[@Bobrogers99]

The system for changing the voltage at the crossing was quite clever! Removing this level crossing will benefit trains, trams and cars, so everyone wins.

[@Schony747]

Yes indeed! Everyone will win. This government policy has been an excellent one that benefits all classes of people and all sides of politics

[@Bobrogers99]

@@Schony747 That's very rare for any government policy! ;-) Melbourne has invested quite a lot to improve their public transit, and in the long run it will pay off. Here in the US progress in rails is spotty, and most commuters will be stuck with congested highways and rising gasoline prices for many years to come. Recently in my state (NH) our legislature has voted NOT to fund plans for passenger rail service, which is very short-sighted.

[@GabeTrains]

Nice Video! It’s Sad To See Glenhuntly Tram Square Go 😢

[@jonathanstrainvlogs8477]

Yeah me too

[@Schony747]

Sad but progress. I'm sure the trams aren't complaining

[@darylcheshire1618]

Now there is a T traffic light but I was fascinated by the ornate tram signal that rotated the red and green lenses. It also activated the points to the derail. You could see the groves where trams have derailed. Sometime the lens mechanism was not seasonally adjusted and it would only rotate slightly. The square had to replaced every few years as they wore out. It would have been a massive task. Be glad not to slow down.

[@Schony747]

I don't remember the green and red lenses but I've got video of the catchpoints.

[@125sloth]

I remember when at school there was one of the 4 wheeled Point Ormond trams that used to run to Carnegie in the morning or evening peak. Can't remember which now. It was notorious for coming off at the catch points at Glenhuntly. The pole was never off the wire and there was never damage to the tram, they just reversed it back onto the "road". No big deal then , but it would be today. I do know that the lifespan of the lenses on the light that rotated was reduced by the constant exposure to the sun at various times of the day. I do not recall ever seeing "shades" on them like most modern train signals have on top.They may well have had them later in their "life", but not back in the days of manual gates.

[@darylcheshire1618]

@@125sloth I remember the signal lenses were on a frame which was rotated 90 degrees to go from red to green, I don't think there was an amber. Sometimes the frame only moved slightly. I can imagine the cables from the signal box would have to be retensioned every six months. This was something I saw in VR days where the signal arms only tilted slightly. I don't remember specifically but I think in recent times the red and white T signal was shown in a conventional traffic light.

[@125sloth]

Daryl, Spot on. and excellent observations on your part, and good memory, haha. I don't recall an amber either. Yes those cables would have to be retensioned alright. When you think about it, that was modern technology when first introduced, and it worked well.

[@darylcheshire1618]

@@125sloth A few years ago, I visited all four tram railway crossings and took photos. I was intrigued about the booms that folded under the wires. The tip of the boom was able to swivel and an attached cable tilted the arm as the booms reached the vertical position.

[@paulwheeler4283]

That's a very rough ride not just for the tram passengers and crew but the trams themselves thats why maintenance costs are so high and I can't see it being any better for for trains using the crossing either

[@Schony747]

Trains have a smoother ride as the speed is 20 km per hour and the heavier weight helps as well

[@smd812]

what a great sound😃 I would like to live near this crossing😂🤣🤣🤣

[@Schony747]

I'm sure it's one of those sounds you get used to after living there for a while

[@darylcheshire1618]

I remember I was going to Southern Cross for the Vline to Warrnambool, my train was held up at Moorabbin, the promised bus replacement didn’t happen on time and I rescheduled my Vline booking. It turned out to be a tram incident at Glen Huntley, the trains were banked up.

[@Schony747]

Ah yes! Trams could hold trains up for hours.

[@robertmason6233]

The trains crossing are almost musical. Add in some train horns and tram bells and the occasional siren. It would sound so cool

[@Schony747]

It would make a great sound track!

[@serije22]

Here in Belgrade(Serbia) we had long ago train - tram crossing in Rakovitza. This had been changed during 1980.

[@Schony747]

We have two left. There were many more and it won't be long before Kooyong is gone leaving Riversdale on route 70 which is unlikely to ne removed for a long time

[@Jayhocksenar-x1k]

The tram driver singing my way by frank sinatra at 20:10 is just a perfect way for the last tram with passengers crossing the GlenHuntly tram square

[@Schony747]

Yeah good touch hey!

[@railway197240]

I was a motorman of Hankai tramway and West Japan Railway company in Japan. This is the same scenery as Iyo railway company at Ehime in Japan

[@Schony747]

Apparently Japan has a number of scenic locations like this. I'd like to visit Japan one day.

[@gregthompson3274]

As a resident of Glenhuntly, it's certainly the end of an era,the last tram l rode on over the crossing was the 6.28 am,city service from Carnegie ,5/5/23 it closed at 9pm that evening

[@Schony747]

End of an era but an upgrade for all concerned

[@lostjackets4006]

I lived in the area in the early1980s and i remember that the square used to be operated from a signal box located at the end of the station platform

[@Schony747]

Well before my time and I'm sure there would have been more manual operation back in the day.

[@Kevin-go2dw]

Signal box also controlled entrance to the sidings and crossover on the down side of the station as well as the derails and discs for the tram. You could view the inside of the box from the up end of the up platform. This all got removed when the third track and additional platform were built. The down platform and building on Royal Avenue were quite old. At one stage there was also a wooden pedestrian overpass at the down end of the platform.

[@lostjackets4006]

@@Kevin-go2dw It used to be very busy place

[@calcutt4]

I went to go see tram 2045 when it jackknifed off the crossing a few months before the crossing closed, it has the distinction of being the last tram to derail on the crossing

[@Schony747]

It wasn't a great tram when it was based at Southbank. So I'm not surprised by that

[@jimdale6001]

Sad to see it go, but won't miss the slow drag over it.

[@Schony747]

And the slow clunk clunk clunk

[@davidquin8689]

Love the nice new crisp text in recent vids - can put off the visit to the eye specialist for a while longer 🙂

[@Schony747]

Thanks! Its udated software with some new titles.

[@kobyschechter8163]

I'm American and was just in Melbourne in May 2023 (my first time in Australia). I stayed in the neighborhood of Caulfield. When I saw Glenhuntly road for the first time I couldn't believe that cars drive right on the tram tracks. We have a commuter railroad where I live called the Long Island Railroad or LIRR for short. I live on Long Island, it's self explanatory. I just got a job with the other commuter railroad in my area called Metro North Railroad as a coach cleaner. We don't have a light rail system where I live but in American cities that do have them, the trains run in the middle part of the road with cars on either side, separated from the light rail trains. Cities in America that have light rails include Phoenix AZ, Houston TX, Portland OR, Denver CO plus many more. But not New York.

[@Schony747]

It seems a bit weird but remember the system is over 100 years old and 75% of the tracks are shared with cars. Did you try a hook turn? That's even more bamboozling

[@kobyschechter8163]

@@Schony747 What’s a hook turn?

[@TheLostProbe]

@@kobyschechter8163 it's a turning manoeuvre that's basically mandatory to do at intersections with tram tracks going through: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5mcY3-fp9F2nJo it's standard practice for bikes but cars almost never do it it may seem absurd at first glance, but it prevents you from getting T-boned by a 60 ton tram when turning at an intersection, and it's also actually better for traffic flow

[@michellethompson667]

You know, Philadelphia has something like this. We have a streetcar line that intersects with a CSX railway line. It's pretty cool.

[@Schony747]

That's really cool! You hear lots of trains crossing trains but not much of trams and street cars. What's the location?

[@michellethompson667]

@Schony747 The location is 6th Street and Main Street. This is in upper Darby. The septa route 11 streetcar intersects with the CSX railway.

[@RailRoadRex439]

Idk how things work in the land down under, but here in the US, if they’re removing / replacing a crossing, you can ask if they’ll give you the bell from the crossing gate being replaced / removed, and they’ll say either yes or no. It goes the same way for traffic lights here. If I were you, I’d go back to this location when they’re removing the gates and lights and see if I could get that Safetran bell since you can wire them up to a Bachmann model train controller and it’s super simple to do so.

[@Schony747]

Same process over here mate. It's all very hit and miss and depends on the contractor

[@JonathanChan212]

Legit feels like riding MTR Light Rail Phase 1 until I remember they were built in Australia

[@Schony747]

Some of the trams were built here as well

[@lukerogers7651]

Hard to believe tram services were continuing to use those tracks. They deteriorated so badly over the last year or so. At least one major derailment that I know of which held up both tram and train services for hours.

[@Schony747]

Well when trains are the priority that's what happens. Trains win and lose elections, Trams don't.

[@tubester4567]

I went past here yesterday (10 May) and the tram tracks are already dug up and Glenhuntly Road is closed to all traffic from Grange Road.

[@Schony747]

Correct.

[@ACDZ123]

Most liveable city? Couldn't imagine being too happy living around this place 🙉

[@Schony747]

I didn't see any locals chaining themselves to tracks trying to save the crossing

[@ACDZ123]

@Schony747 Trains Trams Planes unusual for Melbourne..they usually find something to protest about 😁

[@themoviedealers]

That's a great drum riff😅

[@Schony747]

Yes mate. I'll add that comment to others with a similar tone.

[@peterpanousis8458]

I thought there would be catch points for the trams. Thanks for the video.

[@Schony747]

There used to be mate but catchpoints just made any situation worse especially on the downhill at Kooyong.

[@Kevin-go2dw]

There were.

[@JordysRailVideos]

Ripper video Brenden, was nice seeing you

[@Schony747]

You to mate. Thanks alot

[@malcolmone1]

what a crossing ,its so noisy and well past repair,i can feel those bumps ,and i am sitting at my computer

[@Schony747]

It's always an interesting ride even at 10km per hour.

[@mendocinobeano]

@@Schony747Imagine sitting in the poky little signal box for eight hours with a train hitting the crossing every few minutes.

[@cliffleigh7450]

You would have thought it would have been replaced years ago!!

[@Schony747]

You would have thought so. Not as many cars back in the day and this policy is now an election winner!

[@rainbowdashtv8552]

I love this crossing i am so sad

[@Schony747]

Yes mate but progress is progress

[@chiefpred9982]

Wave goodbye to Glen Huntly tram square 👋

[@Schony747]

Party at Glenhuntly Depot as well

[@chiefpred9982]

@@Schony747 oh no, did I miss the party?

[@brentbiel5425]

I worked at this tram square for a brief period in 2015 as a signaller. I remember not enjoying it! Kooyong was better because it didnt have any of those damn steel trains going through! 😂

[@Schony747]

Yes and a better quality clientele at Kooyong 😀😀

[@kevinthompson4494]

As a former resident of Ormond(Now back home in Sydney),I don't miss the level crossing at Glenhuntly.....Ormond and McKinnon aren't much better.

[@Schony747]

Most people won't be sorry to see it go either.

[@allthingstechandgadgets657]

If you listen carefully around the 1:20-1:40 time stamp as the train bogies go over the tram tracks it makes a beat.

[@Schony747]

It can start its own marching band.

[@allthingstechandgadgets657]

@@Schony747 hahaha, yes. Very true. I remember the tram and train crossing on the Glen Waverley line before it got separated.

[@danedawes7122]

There's a place just like that in Darby Pennsylvania, United States.😅

[@MetroGaming75]

Septa Route 11

[@Schony747]

There's two more in Melbourne as well

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

An important place in my life. As George Harrison sang: "All Things Must Change"

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

Actually it was: "All Things Must Pass" but same sentiment...

[@Schony747]

Correct and this one is for the better

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

@@Schony747 Absolutely 👍

[@kristinajendesen7111]

Very interesting. Sad that I didn't get to see it but I'm also sad that I didn't get to see the trolleybuses in Wellington NZ. It says 'two tracks' but you can see a third line plus overheads. Was that to a siding?

[@Schony747]

The third track was the express track through the station for limited express services and will be reinstated with the new track alignment.

[@ADJLfanatic52]

Those diamonds sound super rough. I can understand why it’s closed now.

[@Schony747]

Very rough and probably neglected due to the fact the crossing was closing.

[@louiskats5116]

Good day Brenden, There you go I never knew such a crossing existed on Glenhuntly Rd before. I have traveled up & down Glenhuntly Rd so many times but not that far up. Melbourne is changing I remember back sometime in the early 80's when they build the overhead bridge & removed the old gates at Tottenham Station it was a revolution at the time. Looking at the line that would be the line the Hastings Steel Train of Qube would cross over. Did you ever capture the Hastings Steel combo smashing the diamond? Did you see the tram accident & derailment on Ingles Street Port Melbourne on Sunday. I live 30 seconds from that crossing but wasn't around when it happened. All I can say it was only a matter of time. The boom gate has been missing for about a month from a previous accident, so when the accident happened you are driving into sunglare & the roads being wet also the reflection. Leading up to this accident I witness 3 to 4 near miss in the same situation. If you don't know there is a tram crossing there & new in the area it is easy to miss the red light in the sunglare. Just happy no one got killed. Still the boom stick is missing. Will keep you posted. Cheers Well done capturing Melbourne history. Louis Kats ☺👍

[@Schony747]

The only steel train I captured was the one in this video. So the boom was missing for a month. Questions should be asked there.

[@louiskats5116]

@@Schony747 Just saw I must of fast forward that bit. Today the boom gate still missing. This morning at 5:50 am taking my son to work again in the drizzle a car almost came to grief with the 109 tram. Cheers Louis 👍

[@slaybarbiegirlturqoise]

this sucks cause I hade a big plan for that crossing where i would catch the 67 from stop 61 to stop 60 getting my perspective from on the tram and go from stop 60 back to stop 61 so I got both sides

[@Schony747]

Head to Kooyong or Riversdale instead. They both have the same thing.

[@peterneale6278]

I was a little surprised that you didn't mention in your text that this crossing has also been taking a daily pounding from the Long Island steel trains, which is a load that the other three (now two) tram squares didn't have to endure. Noted that a steel train did appear towards the end of your video. I used to daily commute over the now several years defunct tram square at Burke Road as well as the still operating one at Glenferrie Road, and I am also familiar with the one in Riversdale Road. Presumably the remaining two are also listed for removal. Do we know when?

[@Schony747]

Kooyong is definitely on the list. I can't see Riversdale going any time soon. I think the trams and trains will be thankful they can stop taking panadol

[@HellenikBoy]

Unfortunately Kooyong was removed off the list as the fedaral money provided tied it to being a rail under solution and the state opting for it to be a hybrid solution.

[@davidperrott4502]

Notice how the tram waited for road to be clear before proceeding into the junction.....many car drivers do not have that initiative then panic sets in.

[@Schony747]

Many car drivers are impatient and don't think

[@LeipzigerDiego]

In Leipzig (🇩🇪), more precisely in Markkleeberg, there was also an electric track crossing. Unfortunately, the tram route to Markkleeberg with the track crossing was shut down at the end of 2015, as the city of Markkleeberg prefers cheap buses and cars.😥

[@LeipzigerDiego]

Tram-crossing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4aVnYqFmMSEbq8 S-Bahn-crossing kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSlmKiaeK2Gi6s

[@Schony747]

Of course! Cheap electric buses are becoming more common. Thanks for sharing the links. I'll get them a share on my Schony747 Facebook Page

[@BrokenCurtain]

​@@Schony747 "Cheap electric busses are becoming more common" So are battery fires. If they already have the overhead wires, they should switch to trolleybuses instead.

[@ThomasNing]

I wonder why there is so much elevation difference for the tram tracks? I'm guessing it's to do with the crest in the road. Seems like a good way to derail teams.

[@Schony747]

That's a very good question. I have no idea to be honest.

[@fauzirahman3285]

Did that tram drivers used the external speakers to sing?

[@Schony747]

Yes mate

[@noddy8607]

Nice work there Brenden. Do you know if the intention is to restore tram service once the crossing removal work is completed or will buses be used in the future?

[@Schony747]

Trams resume after the shutdown. The service will be far more reliable as well

[@therealsammyvee888]

​@@Schony747Where will they be terminating in the meantime? Or will they not run at all?

[@archmcdonald6170]

That Tram Square is very rough on the trams, judging by the way they bounce around.

[@Schony747]

All tram squares are the same mate. Kooyong is probably the worst as it's uphill towards Uni from Kew

[@krisdevos8452]

​@@Schony747kew tram depot?

[@top40researcher31]

so what above would come as a town square some sort

[@Schony747]

The centre of Glenhuntly 😀😀

[@PaulNoake]

Are you going to do a follow up video after the works are completed

[@Schony747]

Yes mate. That will happen.

[@LongIslandRailfanner]

Where is this? Also R.I.P. to the Glenhuntly crossing i wish America had something similar with the crossing is refired here as a diamond were an Electrified mainline crossed over an Interurban

[@Schony747]

Melbourne's inner South Eastern Suburbs is the location.

[@neilforbes416]

20:05 That tram driver wasn't you by any chance, was it?😁

[@Schony747]

I was the driver behind the camera for a change.

[@top40researcher31]

@neilforbes416 if it was he's already done it his way

[@MrAzza22]

Why is it closing

[@Schony747]

Train tracks are being relocated underground so there will be no need for the tram square as the tram and train tracks will be separated.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

Didn't you get the memo? We are now supposed to call it Glen Huntly (which is correct) rather than Glenhuntly. LOL.

[@Schony747]

I'll change the video! 😀

[@themelbournerailfan]

Oh no, there goes tramsquare number 2/4 😢. Great video though. Bye Glenhuntly tramsquare, also now Comeng trains and comeng built trams can no longer cross the same tracks.

[@Schony747]

Unless a miracle happens on the Glen Waverley or Alamein lines. That's highly unlikely

[@pureinzusupotta]

Just a curious question, were diesel trains also required to slow down when going over the tram square?

[@Schony747]

Yep. All trains are required to slow down. That's why the steel train wasn't running through at a low speed as well

[@nomadphomin6165]

Якось незвично бачити поїзд, що перетинає звичайну міську вулицю. Та й якось незвично бачити праворульні машини та трамваї на лівосторонньому русі. Особливо такі трамваї, на яких двері знаходяться на лівому боці замість правої сторони. Навіть якщо на це не звертати особливої уваги, то бітбокс вийшов добротним.

[@Schony747]

There are still lots of railway crossings around in Melbourne! The state government is slowly removing many of them. This is one of those crossings. Thanks for having a look.

[@oufukubinta]

There are hundreds of crossings like this in Tokyo

[@jslonisch]

Really? With trams AND trains crossing each other and sharing the same overhead line?

[@oufukubinta]

@@jslonisch No sorry I meant just train crossings (I live in Sydney and there aren't any here).

[@Schony747]

Plenty of trains crossing trains which is common in many parts

[@oufukubinta]

@@Schony747 Train crossings across streets are not common in Sydney. I've been living there for 17 years and I've only seen one in Auburn, and someone else has told me that there's another one somewhere but IDK where

[@jimpikoulis6726]

I did it my way too

[@Schony747]

Yeah and a nice way to send off the rail square as well

[@andrewyoung3299]

Good riddance to Glenhuntly! Now the expresses that run can truly go express through Glenhuntly rather than having to slow to a crawl across that crossing, and the trams can go the speed limit on Glenhuntly Road,. It's a win-win for Yarra Trams and Metro

[@Schony747]

Yep. Spot on. A win for everyone including the cars

[@annettelaurence5716]

Thank you Brenden, a really interesting video. Once the crossing has gone, are the trams to be re introduced or is the tram service to be closed? We're in the UK so have no knowledge of the area (sorry). Can you tell the singing tram driver not to give up his day job!🙃

[@Schony747]

That's why I don't sing on my tram either! Trams resume to Carnegie once the rebuild is complete. Trains underneath and trams and car above ground. No crossing delays and a more reliable tram service.

[@Kevin-go2dw]

I believe as part of the rebuild, that there will be a platform of some sort for the trams. Quote from Level Crossing Removal project, 20 April 2023 "Installing new tram tracks and overheads and building a new central tram platform on Glen Huntly Road."

[@chrismckellar9350]

Where will the trams stop, considering the Carnegie tram route continues from the Glenhuntly level crossing to Koornang Road. It the section from Glenhuntly level crossing to Koornang Road (stop 68) going to be permanently replaced by buses after the upgrade?

[@pwhnckexstflajizdryvombqug9042]

I don't think so, I haven't seen the plans but they will probably make a new super stop onto of the bridge that goes over the train tracks.

[@gregthompson3274]

The tram service to Carnegie will resume mid-July, and a major tram stop will be built at Glenhuntly station

[@Schony747]

Buses until the upgrade is finished as others have Saif.

[@Kevin-go2dw]

Tram stop above the formation with central platform.

[@verboten82]

Only 2 tram squares remain in melbourne

[@Schony747]

Correct. There were many and over the years many hsbe disappeared

[@MARK_OOFMAN123]

1:08 Damn.. This Kinda Slaps.

[@Schony747]

That's one way to look at it.

[@DistanceNsVeterans]

The first time ive saw this video, i was Very confused, because all of the mixer of American and Australian stuff.

[@Schony747]

Thanks for having a look.

[@DistanceNsVeterans]

@@Schony747 your welcome

[@hainescityrailfan9983]

Why they closed it?

[@Schony747]

The train line is being relocated underground. There will be no need for the rail square as the trains and trains will no longer crossing each other. Trains will be below and trams at road level.

[@thebops4180]

No more Tram derailments :)

[@Schony747]

Not at the crossing anyway 😀😀

[@johnd8892]

Just a collision with a small car seems to easily send a C class of the rails. Eg just during the week and quite a few previous.

[@leeroberts1192]

Has there ever been any occurrences where when a tram has been passing over the system hasn't switched the crossing from the train power to the tram power?

[@Schony747]

Yes it's happened on all squares. In some cases the signaller has switched the power too early as well causing problems.

[@leeroberts1192]

@@Schony747 Must be a nice fireworks display when it happens. Good thing that there's no squares here in the UK (AFAIK) as with the OLE on the railways being 25Kv AC, it would probably incinerate all the electrics and electronics in a tram and maybe even set it on fire

[@jslonisch]

Is the switchover sequence automatic or does the signaller have to initiate it every time?

[@mendocinobeano]

@@jslonischThe Signaler does it. I've watched them do it many times inside the box. I've also been there when a tram has been stuck on the crossing more than once.

[@AxelYvnNewYork2K10]

Why is there a USA Crossing Sound

[@Schony747]

That could be the pedestrian crossing gate which also had an alarm when the gates closed

[@johnbristow5665]

Where is Glenhuntley? I thought I knew?

[@Schony747]

Inner South East near Eastern Elsternwick

[@JRAR24]

00:59 did I hear a YA30 alarm in the background?

[@Schony747]

That would be the alarm telling pedestrians the crossing gate is about to close.

[@JRAR24]

@@Schony747 ah cool

[@Trainaddiction512]

Is it really closed FOREVER?

[@Schony747]

Yes! The railway tracks will be relocated underground and the tram tracks will stay road level.

[@MetroGaming75]

In Darby PA septa route 11 crosses one similar to this and for those wondering the tram line is just being relocated so its gonna be above the train line

[@Schony747]

Which makes prefect sense!

[@HANUEL-LEE]

伊予鉄道みたい This scene resembles the Iyo Railway.

[@Schony747]

I must look it up. Others have said the same thing.

[@amadeosendiulo2137]

It was not easy to operate and maintain for fure, but still a pity.

[@Schony747]

Yes very complicated but a necessary upgrade

[@oscardaone]

Wait what will happen to this? What was the plan?

[@Schony747]

The railway station and tracks are being relocated under ground. Tracks will stay above ground on Glenhuntly Road

[@oscardaone]

@@Schony747 ok! Look forward to a before and after photography on this intersection.

[@michaelsandford1015]

Why is it closing

[@Schony747]

Trains are being relocated underground. Trams will remain at road level. As the trains and trams won't physically cross anymore, there's no need for the sqaure

[@teddyl7006]

"Forever" is one word not two.

[@Schony747]

Thanks. I've amended the title

[@teddyl7006]

@@Schony747 Thank you too.

[@matthewmassarotti2596]

just out of curiosity, what will happen if the tram did go threw while it was 1500v?

[@ctwentysevenj6531]

I assume circuit breakers would kick in and cut power and lower the pantographs to prevent damage to the traction motors and other electrical parts.

[@matthewmassarotti2596]

@@ctwentysevenj6531 oh I c U mean short circuit the whole tram

[@ctwentysevenj6531]

@@matthewmassarotti2596 no, to prevent short circuit or damage, like in a modern house now at the switch board you have switches. These are circuit breakers. If you have a surge in power or an appliance is having a short circuit, the switches in a split second automatically switches off to prevent damage or even worst a fire. Same on a tram if there is a power surge, its circuit breakers kick in. It even happens on its own voltage when sometimes especially in the CBD there is a power surge, the circuit breakers kick in and the pantographs is automatically lowered. The driver has to reset things and raise the pantograph.

[@matthewmassarotti2596]

@@ctwentysevenj6531 i c, that makes sence, thx for that

[@Schony747]

It wouldn't get too far. The tram would lose power and be stuck before it hit the rail overhead.

[@Guard_Amos]

Will it be the trains or trams going underground?

[@Schony747]

Trains underground and trams will finally have a clear run along Glenhuntly Road

[@Guard_Amos]

@Schony747 Trains Trams Planes thanks for that. No doubt the crossing will become a bridge and the signal box goes?

[@davidallen2058]

Only 2 to go.

[@Schony747]

Yes. Kooyong won't be too far away.

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

Apart from the squares this was an appalling bottleneck when goods trains and metro trains in quick succession would tie up the gates for often 25 mins at a time, worse in the peak.

[@Schony747]

Yes mate. For the final part it was even worse as the express track was out of use and all trains had to use two tracks not three!