Traffic pain as North Tce in Adelaide’s CBD down to one lane for tram extension work
TRAFFIC authorities are advising motorists that the tram works restrictions that resulted in chaos on Tuesday morning, will remain in place for a few more weeks.
TRAFFIC authorities are advising motorists that the tram works restrictions that resulted in chaos on Tuesday morning, will remain in place for a few more weeks.
Transport Department officials are hoping adjustments to CBD traffic restrictions will ease congestion caused by North Tce tram works after extensive delays on Tuesday.
Traffic was heavily congested during the afternoon peak, despite warnings to avoid North Tce.
Intersections around North Tce and roads running east-west across the CBD were practically rendered a carpark.
And similar delays can be expected this morning unless adjustments to traffic flow are successful overnight.
Experts were on Tuesday planning alterations to restrictions after traffic was banked up as far as Kent Town and North Adelaide during the morning peak when restrictions on North Tce kicked in for stage two of the tram extension project.
The Advertiser understands an unanticipated filling of intersections along King William St caused a flow-on effect which was the major contributor to the chaos, as well as through-traffic motorists not heeding a warning to avoid North Terrace.
Transport Department spokesman Tom Dougherty repeated the best advice of experts for motorists to completely avoid North Terrace if possible.
“Some motorists were ignoring the directions of traffic controllers which contributed to the problems this morning,’’ he said.
Traffic is restricted to one lane between King William St and East Tce, and motorists are advised to use the City Ring Rd to travel east-west. (Scroll below for the restrictions in detail.)
Scores of citybound bus passengers stuck in the traffic jam at Kent Town lost patience during this morning’s rush hour and got off and walked into town. Traffic was also gridlocked on King William Rd as far north as Melbourne and O’Connell streets.
While traffic eased during the day motorists could face more pain during this evening’s rush hour.
The roadway will be excavated to concrete in the steel rails, install the bases for the new platforms, as well as install infrastructure that could see smartphone charging points installed in the future.
“We’re just really encouraging anyone who has to drive in the city to avoid North Tce if at all possible,” Mr Dougherty said this morning.
“We understand this work is quite disruptive but it’s a necessary evil in the end,” he told ABC radio.
He said the works had been scheduled during the school holidays to avoid as much disruption as possible.
Earlier this month department spokesman Lachlan Roberts said “we’re primarily looking at a left in, left out arrangement” at most of the intersections.
“We will try and keep Frome open for as long as possible.”
Multi-level car parking on the south side of North Tce will still be accessible for vehicles travelling west.
Restrictions are due to be lifted on October 16 — in time for the beginning of term four.
RESTRICTIONS IN DETAIL
During these works, the following restrictions will be in place:
North Terrace between King William Street and East Terrace — traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction.
Right turns into businesses, side roads and at all intersections along North Terrace will be temporarily restricted. This includes the Kintore Avenue/Gawler Place, Pulteney Street and Frome Road intersections.
At the Frome Road intersection, traffic will be allowed to travel north-south and all left turn movements will be permitted, except for the weekend of 6 to 9 October 2017, when only left turns will be permitted.
Traffic travelling south on Kintore Avenue will only be permitted to turn left at North Terrace.
On-street car parking will be removed along North Terrace.
During these works, the King William Street intersection with North Terrace will remain open. Work will be undertaken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to minimise disruption.
Access for pedestrians will be maintained along North Terrace. Pedestrian and cyclist access across North Terrace, will be provided at key locations.
Motorists wishing to travel east-west through the CBD are encouraged to use the Inner City Ring Route (A21) using Hackney Road, Park, Robe and Fitzroy terraces and Port Road.
Tram services will not be affected.
Some bus services that travel along North Terrace and/or King William Street will be diverted. Some bus stops along North Terrace have been temporarily relocated.
Visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au for full details.