Tram services to Adelaide CBD to be shutdown due to upgrades

There will be a total shutdown of tram services along the CDB’s main road under a major $17.5 million upgrade project along King William St — and motorists will be affected too.

Tram services in Adelaide’s CBD will halt for three weeks as a result of major tram line works beginning on July 7.

The $17.5 million project undertaken by PTP Alliance will terminate all trams from Glenelg at South Terrace.

No trams will operate in the CBD to the East End or Entertainment Centre. Substitute bus services will run in their place.

The new project will replace existing tracks along King William St between Victoria Square and South Terrace (at the intersection of Gouger and Angas St) to create space for a dedicated tram corridor.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the upgrade of the City South tram stop would add signage, ramps, non-slip flooring and enough space for wheelchair access.

The timing of the works is co-ordinated with the $15.5 million King William Rd upgrade to minimise disruption, DPTI say.

King William Rd has been closed intermittently since last week because of an upgrade but will shut completely from June 8 to mid-August.

An RAA spokesman told The Messenger earlier this month the timing of the road works would produce a case of “short-term pain for long-term gain.”

City South tram line replacement: Proposed traffic and parking arrangements

“This is an important project that needs to happen to make the City South tram stop compliant with disability requirements,” Mr Knoll said.

“This project will also reduce delays to current tram operations and improve the safety along King William Street for both road and tram users.”

But the road restrictions will still cause headaches for city commuters, restricting right turns from King William St to Halifax St north bound, and Sturt St to King William St south bound.

Speeds will be restricted to 25km/h on King William St between Victoria Square and South Terrace and traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

Vehicles will be unable to cross King William St east-west from Wright St to Carrington St, Sturt St to Halifax St, and Gilbert St to Gilles St, and parking on King William St between Victoria Square and South Terrace will be restricted.

Trams will be operational when the major work is finished, which is anticipated to be the start of August.

Trams going up and down North Terrace near the old RAH, on practice runs. 12 September 2018. (AAPImage/Dean Martin)