It may sound simple but starting today and, I think, going for a LONG time, the only places to cross St Kilda Rd near The Botanica are…the tram stop near the Royce Hotel and Dorcas St.

That’s right there is a big gap between crossing points – the area in between is all CYP work zone now

And remember that tonight is predicted to be the noisy night

I understand that at last night’s Council meeting they decided to install parking sensors in key locations, provide a ‘way finding’ app and implement convenient pay by phone parking across the City under new technology upgrades endorsed at last night’s Council meeting.

The full press release is here

At this stage it won’t impact parking near Botanica but as you travel around the City it will help.

I understand that this is the system they have selected

I have also been talking to the Council about making the old police bays in Bowen Cres available.  I expect some action on that front soon.

CYP have just confirmed that the worst night in this current piece of work will be tomorrow (Friday) night.  Ear plugs are available in the lobby

I have also asked that the horrible vibratory roller is not used at night – that was the cause of the building shakes on Monday night

Here is a timelapse video of last night’s Metro Tunnel work

Works Breakdown – The Botanica

 The first stage of the works involves heavy earthworks and demolition to remove the existing tram and road infrastructure and make way for the new temporary tram stop and tram and road alignment. These works will emit high levels of noise and are programmed as much as possible to occur during daytime hours. These works are likely to occur during the first 1 – 2 days in Park Street and 2 -3 days in St Kilda Road.

During this period we anticipate the noisiest works for the Botanica will be on Tuesday 6th April.

The second stage will be a quieter stage of works which involves drainage and utility conduit installation, track and road building. These works are expected to generate low – medium levels of noise.

In the case of the Botanica, we expect Sunday the 8th through to Tuesday the 10^th will also be noisy, as well as Thursday 12^th. 

The third stage will shift to rail welding and grinding, asphalt laying, line marking, overhead wire installation, fitout and completion of the new temporary tram stop. These works are expected to create medium levels of noise. Testing and commissioning will also be undertaken by Yarra Trams at the end of the works.

While we will be working during the evening, we don’t anticipate works from Friday 13^th to the 18^th April to be excessively noisy for the Botanica.

If anyone feels they have special circumstances and should be considered for relocation during these noisy periods, the best course of action is to phone the Metro Tunnel Project Information Line on 1800 105 105.

A number of people have asked me about the noise, dust, vibration and light from the works opposite The Botanica.

You can call them 24 hours a day on 1800 105 105

Some things they can fix and some they cannot.  They can even move you to an alternate location if they deem it is that big of an issue

I have been talking to them about one very ‘leaky’ light tower.  Today they moved it – see picture below

Many of you would be aware that we have been working very hard to ensure that the Metro Tunnel project meets their commitment of ‘no reversing beepers’.  The commitment was that vehicles would have the much less intrusive squawkers.

It has been a long a difficult road, we have been told several times that “we are trying really hard to stop it but it is very hard”.

Last weekend I understand that a check by CYP found a large number of concrete trucks with beepers and had them changed out for squawkers.  Thank you.

Today I saw this sign – and even better, saw a truck driver park his truck and walk to the gate and say…”I’ve got beepers, what do I do?”  The gatekeeper worked out a way for him to do his job and not activate his beepers.  Was hard for the driver – hopefully he has learnt his lesson

Cross Yarra Partnership is offering all owners at The Botanica a free ‘pre-condition survey’ at no cost.  I am very aware that work has already commenced, you should be aware that we have been lobbying for this for some months.

Owners should have been contacted by now but you can use these forms if you want

MM LETTER PCS Offer_400 St Kilda Rd_Owner [25515]

400 St Kilda Rd_Apartment PCS – Permission Form

Completed forms need to be sent to CYP.property@metrotunnelcyp-dc.com.au

It is completely voluntary but I would strongly recommend getting it done.

As previously noted, it will be a period of great activity in the next few weeks.

Here are the details

and remember about the info sessions this afternoon and Monday – both are at 4-6 pm at The Seasons.  If you have questions…go along and ask

Now that the asbestos has gone, there is a lot of action getting the earthworks done before the tramworks happen over Easter

This is a cool remote controlled device

Here, you can see the end of the drainage works and the start of the earthworks

Disappointed to see this truck heading out without a cover over his dusty load