Images explain why Adelaide tram extension works on North Tce are creating such traffic chaos

WANT to know what caused the traffic gridlock in Adelaide’s CBD earlier this week? The pictures here will help explain that.

North Terrace roadworks for the extended tram line. AAP/RUSSELL MILLARD

• Tram extension work springs huge traffic chaos
• Adelaide’s North Tce tram works to cause traffic disruption

IT’S the picture that shows what has caused the traffic gridlock in the CBD’s east and fringes this week.

The around-the-clock construction of the North Tce tram extension this week has severely restricted traffic.

Now, Rundle Mall and North Tce traders fear calls to avoid the area are impacting on their businesses.

They have called on shoppers to take an alternate route to the premier retail strip following concerns State Government messaging to “avoid North Tce” during the two weeks of intensive tram works will impact the start of their lucrative trading period.

Stage two of the city tram extension project started last Sunday, closing two lanes of traffic in each direction along North Tce — between King William St and East Tce — until October 16.

An aerial view of North Terrace roadworks for the extended tram line. AAP/RUSSELL MILLARD

The intensive block of works is to lay the tram tracks in concrete. Scheduled during the school holidays when traffic surveys show less cars on the road, the 24-hour a day works caused traffic chaos during peak hour commutes, prompting the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure to encourage people to avoid North Tce.

But Rundle Mall Management Authority general manager Amanda Grocock said North Tce was still trading through the works, and encouraged people to instead make alternate travel arrangements to get there.

“We’re really encouraging people to carry on,” she said.

“Some of the messaging from DPTI in the past few days (has been) around major disruption and ‘please avoid North Tce’.

“From our point of view its ‘please don’t avoid North Tce’. We have businesses there, we have car parks there who need to continue to survive.”

As online sales continue to change the trend around Christmas spending, pressure is on retailers to make money off customers such as families with children who come to the Mall during school holidays.

“People will be a purchaser in that October period … pre-preparing for Christmas, and usually towards the end of November that Christmas spending will start again which is why we are investing a significant proportion of our budget into this three months,” Ms Grocock said.

“Don’t give up on the mall.”

Next Friday and Saturday, five car parks operators in the Mall precinct will offer special rates for the inaugural Vogue Festival, showcasing of fashion and entertainment in the mall and Rundle St.

Despite the “short-term pain”, Ms Grocock said the tram will give better access to the Mall, and to the cultural precincts along North Tce including the SA Museum.

The North Tce tram extension is expected to be completed by early next year.