New tram tracks set to be laid on Glenelg’s Jetty Rd with rubber inlays to improve cyclist safety

THESE seaside tram tracks are to be relaid with rubber between them and the roadway so it’s safer for cyclists. A least that’s what the local council tells us — the Transport Department’s staying tight-lipped.

Gareth Williams, who rides his bike to work on Jetty Rd each day, at the stop 16 trouble spot. Picture: Matt Loxton.

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JETTY Rd’s tram tracks will be relaid and rubber will be inserted in the gap between them and the roadway to improve safety for cyclists, Holdfast Bay Council says.

However, the Transport Department (DPTEI) has refused to confirm the work will be done.

Holdfast Bay chief executive Justin Lynch told last week’s council meeting plans to replace the decades-old tracks were well underway.

“We have been told DPTI will re-lay the tram tracks with rubber inlays,” Mr Lynch said.

Morphett Liberal MP Duncan McFetridge wrote to Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan this month calling for the inlays to be installed when Jetty Rd’s tram tracks were replaced.

They would be dense enough for cyclists to cross without trouble but trams could easily push them down with their weight, he said.

The Guardian Messenger last month reported that cyclists regularly crashed after getting their wheels stuck in the tram-track gap.

Gareth Williams rides around tram stop 16 on Jetty Rd, Glenelg pic.twitter.com/SYVYuiOUXe

— Eugene Boisvert (@eugeneboisvert) April 4, 2016

Extreme Boardriders shop manager Gareth Williams estimated four or five cyclists fell each week near tram stop 16, where the platform funnelled cyclists to veer onto the tracks.

Last week he said he was “surprised” but glad at the quick progress since raising the issue.

“I think it will make a big difference,” Mr Williams said.

“The people who have had an accident in the last few years have probably not ridden here again.”

Council says these tram tracks will be relaid, so rubber can be put between them and the road to make it safer for cyclists.

A Transport Department spokeswoman would not confirm Mr Lynch’s statement or say when work would start.

She said the department was working with Holdfast Bay “to develop a plan for maintaining the road surface and the tram lines”.

“Total project funding has yet to be determined but all parties recognise the importance of programming works at the same time to avoid disruption to regular users along this popular corridor,” she said.

Dr McFetridge also wants special rails to be installed along Jetty Rd to reduce noise and vibration.

The only part of the track with the special rails was at the corner of King William St and North Tce in the city, near Parliament House.