An Abandoned Brunswick East Supermarket Fire Is Causing Tram Delays This Morning

Lygon Street's northern stretch is dishing up more than few commuter headaches today, as a crew of over 50 firefighters battle a serious blaze at an abandoned supermarket. At around 6am this morning, VicRoads tweeted that the street had been closed in both directions between Albion and Blyth Streets, as the fire continued to burn and smoke spread. It has suggested southbound drivers hit Nicholson Street or Sydney Road instead.

Fire crews are still working on Lygon Street after a building fire. Lygon St is closed to traffic in both directions between Albion St and Blyth St. Try Nicholson Street or Sydney Rd to avoid the closure

— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) August 26, 2018

Yarra Trams also took to Twitter to update passengers, announcing changes to the number 1 and 6 routes that operate along this part of Lygon Street. Neither tram was running between Brunswick Road (Stop 120) and Moreland Road (Stop 129), with busses used as replacements. Some Route 6 trams are being diverted along Sydney Road, along Route 19, while shuttle trams are operating between Route 19 stops at East Coburg and the Brunswick Tram Depot.

Update - Shuttle trams are running between East Coburg and Stop 27 Brunswick tram depot (on the Route 19) for passengers to connect to diverting trams: https://t.co/37CDHt16y1

— Yarra Trams (@yarratrams) August 26, 2018

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade has released a statement about the fire, confirming crews have been fighting it since arriving on the scene at about 3.30am. The roof of the sprawling building, which stretches between Lygon and Eddie Streets, has collapsed, and the blaze is being treated as suspicious.

At the time of publishing, Route 1 and 6 trams had just resumed, though Yarra Trams confirmed that delays could still occur.

Update: Route 1 and 6 trams have now resumed along normal lines following the earlier disruption. Delays may still occur while we work to restore normal frequency.

— Yarra Trams (@yarratrams) August 26, 2018