Six right-hand turns to be removed from King William St under tram line upgrade

Six right-hand turns, including the one from King William St on to South Tce, will be removed under an upgrade of the tram stop and track in the city’s south.

Crown and Sceptre Hotel director Darren Gitsham Picture MATT TURNER.

Six right-hand turns, including the one from King William St on to South Tce, will be removed under an upgrade of the tram stop and track in the city’s south.

The Advertiser revealed on Thursday that the $17.5 million upgrade of the City South tram stop, to allow improved disability access, would result in significant changes to the southern section of the key CBD street.

Trams will now have a dedicated corridor south of Victoria Square, which vehicles are not allowed to enter, and a number of right-hand turns off and on to King William St will be cut.

At this stage the right-hand turns to be removed are on to Halifax and Angas streets for northbound traffic, on to South Tce, Wright St and Gilbert St for southbound traffic and no turn on to King William St from Sturt St.

The project, originally costed at $11.7 million in the State Budget but increased because of a change in its scope, will also include a replacement of the existing tram tracks and will begin in May.

Transport Department staff have continued to consult with businesses that will be affected by the works.

Darren Gitsham, director of the Crown and Sceptre Hotel, said it was “a nice change” to be consulted about the project.

“The tram tracks need to be replaced so it is a necessary evil it has to happen,” he said.

“I was at the Ambassadors when they did the work at North Tce and we weren’t consulted at all.

The City South Tram Line Replacement Project will replace the existing tram tracks between Victoria Square and South Terrace.

“But for the hospitality businesses in the area the concerns we have is around dust and general junk and the impact that could have on trading.”

Gareth Lewis, the owner of the Kings Head, said he hadn’t been visited by the Department when contacted by The Advertiser.

“I would love to have Stephan (Knoll) here for a beer so he can explain it,” he said.

Adelaide City councillor Dr Helen Donovan said a reconsideration of the road design would ensure the safety of the 1200 cyclists who travel along King William St each day.

Fellow South Ward councillor Alexander Hyde said the tram-only lane had people concerned. “The people I speak to are dismayed over the fixation on a tram-only lane,” he said.

“I agree, but I’m more concerned about what it means for other extensions.

Valdman’s view

“Will we lose a lane of traffic along O’Connell Street or The Parade, or have no cars down Halifax St?”

Mr Knoll said an extension of the tram to North Adelaide would be sent to Infrastructure SA for assessment.

The man expected to be Australia’s next infrastructure minister, opposition infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese reiterated his belief that extending the Adelaide tram network “makes a lot of sense” and Federal Labor would reveal its investment priorities for the city closer to the election.