New tram stops and extra funding to ease traffic problems announced for North Terrace extension
SEE the first maps showing how the tram line will extend north and east of the North Tce/King William St intersection — and where four new stops will be.
- Adelaide first: Public transport users get free wi-fi
- New tram routes planned to spread throughout suburban Adelaide
- Federal Budget 2017: What it means for SA infrastructure
- Gawler Place in line for $7.8 million transformation
ADELAIDE’S tram extension work will begin this weekend with an extra $10m funding for around-the-clock work blitz to minimise traffic disruption.
The Advertiser can reveal the first map of the project with the exact locations of the four new stops.
Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said night works for the project would begin on Sunday, after the major contract was awarded to Downer York Joint Venture.
He said the location of four new stops would advantage travellers to the Festival Plaza along King William Rd as well as North Terrace stops adjacent to the museum, Adelaide University and East End.
The total cost of the project has been increased from $70m to $80m, mainly to implement the 24/7 work cycle at off peak times, and work is expected to be completed early next year.
“An intense program of works to deliver the project in the shortest possible time-frame by taking advantage of working 24 hours a day, seven days a week in school holiday periods at times when road traffic is at its quietest,’’ Mr Mullighan said.
“The additional funding will also go towards a major construction blitz which will involve more night-time and weekend work to minimise the impacts to peak hour and daytime traffic, and reduce disruptions to businesses and tram services,” he said.
“Given the number of major events occurring in and around the CBD, the South Australian Government’s priority will be to minimise the disruptions along North Terrace and King William Road.’’
Night works to locate underground services and utilities along North Terrace and King William Road will begin on Sunday, along with geotechnical investigations.
RAA senior manager of road safety Charles Mountain welcomed the funding to reduce disruption to motorists.
“We know that major road works projects, such as the current O’Bahn works, do have an impact on traffic movement,” said Mr Mountain.
“The more work that can be done outside of peak traffic periods, the better that is for motorists.
“It will shorten the construction period and allow people to go about their business without too many disruptions.
“We just hope consideration has been made for residents along North Terrace to manage noise levels and ensure they can still access their properties easily.”
The extra funding will also increase the scope of the project, providing for a major rebuild of the King William Road/North Terrace intersection and providing additional turning movements for tram services to accommodate future stages of tram works.
“In addition, the tram track along King William Road will be extended a further 100 metres north than originally proposed, which will result in improved and safe disability access and enhanced pedestrian connectivity between the Riverbank Precinct and Anzac Walk,’’ Mr Mullighan said.
Major works on the intersection of North Terrace and King William Road have been scheduled for early January 2018, to minimise the impact to major events.
