Tour Down Under the final barrier to Adelaide’s almost never-ending traffic disruption
NEW drone video reveals just how close we are to returning to normal on North Terrace as tram upgrade works roll on.
- Phil Sutherland: Extend the tram to North Adelaide
- Steve Maras: New tram should turn right at North Terrace
- Tram works close North Tce, King William Rd intersection
MORNING and afternoon peak-hour traffic flowed more freely yesterday after the North Tce and King William St intersection reopened.
While motorists are again able to drive through the intersection, tram services between the Entertainment Centre and Victoria Square will not resume until January 22, following the final stage of the Tour Down Under.
The intersection reopened as scheduled after a two-week closure needed for part of the $80 million project to extend the tramlines east along North Tce to the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site and north to the Riverbank precinct.
Parts of the eastern end of North Tce remain restricted to one lane each way until January 26, while SA Power Networks finishes its work.
Victoria Square remains closed this week for the Tour Down Under and major road closures for the race will be in place in Unley tomorrow, Glenelg on Thursday, Norwood on Friday and in the CBD on Sunday.
A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said two small sections of tram tracks remained to be installed on North Tce.
“The final sections of track are due to be installed at the Pulteney St intersection this weekend and Gawler Place intersection the following weekend,’’ she said.
“Roads will remain open at all times and some speed and lane restrictions will be in place around the works.”
The reopening of the CBD intersection at 6am yesterday marked the end of a hectic period of festive season roadworks, which included the opening of the $160 million O-Bahn tunnel through the parklands, reopening of the Outer Harbor and Grange rail lines after intersection work at Bowden, the newly constructed roundabout at Federation Corner on the Yorke Peninsula, and upgrades to Bank St and Topham Mall in the city.
The Torrens to Torrens project continues to cause disruption on South Rd.
Some public transport users were given another sweetener yesterday, with free services announced for ticket-holders to the Strikers’ Big Bash League cricket game at Adelaide Oval tomorrow night.