West Torrens councillors say Richmond Rd would be better option for WestLINK tram than busy Henley Beach Rd
A TRAM on Henley Beach Rd would create such bad traffic and parking issues an alternate route is needed – or businesses will be ruined, local councillors warn. They’ve suggested another road.
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A TRAM on Henley Beach Rd would create such bad traffic and parking issues the State Government should consider building a line along Richmond Rd instead, West Torrens councillors say.
Cr Kym McKay has told a council meeting a Henley Beach Rd tram would “destroy the businesses and will turn us into the community of no right turns, bus lanes and congestion”.
“The businesses are struggling enough as it is, let alone putting more impediments on them,” Cr McKay said.
A consultants’ report released by the Transport Department in November as part of government plans for a new Adelaide tram system found 350 carparks would be lost on Henley Beach Rd if a tramline was built.
It found traffic there was worse than the other route considered, along Sir Donald Bradman Drive.
About 130 trees would need to be removed from Henley Beach Rd to allow room for the tram’s overhead wires.
Cr Tony Polito, who has operated a hairdressing business on Henley Beach Rd for 50 years, said the government should be “ashamed of themselves” for “trying to destroy everyone’s future” by reducing parking and increasing congestion.
Cr Arthur Mangos said a tram would “create huge difficulties” for motorists reversing out of their driveways onto Henley Beach Rd.
Councillors deferred a decision on the wording of a letter to Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan about their concerns, until the next meeting.
The $4 million consultants’ report did not consider Richmond Rd for the WestLINK route.
However, it did say a tram there could encourage development at the former Marleston TAFE and connect the city, Keswick rail terminal and Adelaide Airport.
The report found Henley Beach Rd was better suited for a tramline than a route along Sir Donald Bradman Drive because it had “more active frontages” and “street land uses ideal for trams”.
The Henley Beach Rd option would also have a greater impact on property price increases.
More than twice as many people — 66,000 — would use a Henley Beach Rd route.
Both options would head south at Airport Rd and end at the airport.
Richmond Rd businesseswere sceptical about what benefits a tram would have for the area.
Marleston Snack Bar owner John Niarhos said he would welcome a tram as a local homeowner but it could be “detrimental” for his business.
“The great majority of my customers drive,” Mr Niarhos said.
“If it makes it more difficult, that’s not good for me.”
Richmond Village Charcoal Chicken owner Stan Pirgousis said it “might be beneficial”.
Sculptures Scissors hairdressing shop owner Natalie MacKenzie questioned whether Richmond Rd would be suitable for a tram.
“There’s quite a lot of trucks that come along here,” Ms MacKenzie said.
Mr Mullighan has previously said he expected a final tram plan — including costs and preferred routes — to be submitted to the Federal Government before the federal budget in May.
He did not respond to the councillors’ concerns before deadline.