Tram extension handrails being replaced amid electrocution concerns

NEW metal handrails installed along North Tce and King William Rd as part of the State Government’s tram extension project are being ripped out and replaced amid concerns they could electrocute passengers.

NEW metal handrails installed along North Tce and King William Rd as part of the State Government’s $80 million tram extension project are being ripped out and replaced over concerns they could electrocute passengers.

Work is underway to remove handrails at tram stops along the extension and replace them with plastic ones after it was revealed during a testing phase that the electric current used to power the trams could jump to the metal handrails and cause them to become electrified.

The North Terrace tram stops will get new handrails.

It is understood it would be extremely rare for such an incident to occur but the replacement work is being carried out as a safety precaution.

A government spokesman confirmed the work on Wednesday evening.

“There are some remediation works currently underway following the testing phase,” he said.

“The State Government has been advised that none of these works will cause delays to tram services commencing in July.”