Historical information

The photograph shows the demolition or removal of the cable tram track at the intersection of Smith Street and Gertrude St Fitzroy, 1954/55. Photo shows the workmen excavating and demolishing parts of the massive infrastructure needed at this curve to enable cable trams to pass around the sharp curve, still one of the sharpest on today's Melbourne tram system. The outside cable tram track remains in position. The MMBW plan shows a large cable sheave pit on the outside of the curve.

The 1955 Annual Report notes that work commenced following the completion of the Queen's visit in March 1954 and that all work was done by day-labour. The track was opened to service in late June 1955.

Photographer is possibly Keith Kings.

Significance

Yields information about the extent of work need to convert the former Northcote Cable tram route to Electric trams, the people, the extent of the original construction and the methods used to undertake the work.

Physical description

Photograph - Black and White - demolishing cable tram track Smith and Gertrude Streets 1954/55