Traffic restrictions lifted and tram services to resume through Adelaide CBD
Frustrated motorists grappling with traffic restrictions down King William St can rejoice – it will be business as usual today.
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Traffic restrictions down the southern section of King William St will be lifted later today and tram services will resume, ending weeks of commuter pain.
Traffic is set return to two lanes in each direction, between South Tce and Victoria Square, following completion of the $17.5 million upgrade of the City South tram stop.
Since July 7, traffic had been reduced to one lane each way, causing chaos for commuters.
The stop’s reopening marks a “significant” occasion for people with a disability, advocates say, with the platform now accessible and compliant with legislation.
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the upgrade offered a “better public transport service”, particularly for wheelchair-bound commuters.
“For the first time, we will actually see all of the tram stops across our tram network being disability-access compliant,” Mr Knoll said.
“This is such a long time coming, something a lot of people have been advocating for and finally the day has arrived where people living with disability … who will now be able to use all of our tram network.
“These works have been done in a pretty difficult environment (because) … huge numbers of people, in terms of pedestrians but also vehicle traffic, move through this part of the city every day.”
Works included the demolition of the existing tram stop, a new platform, shelter, ramp, tactile ground surface indicators and signage.
It also involved replacing and upgrading the tram line tracks on King William St, between South Tce and Victoria Square.
Mr Knoll would not reveal if the work came in on budget.
Since July 7, trams from Glenelg terminated at South Tce and no trams operated in the CBD to the East End or Entertainment Centre, with substitute bus services running in their place.
The timing of the works was co-ordinated with the $15.5 million upgrade to King William Rd, Hyde Park, to minimise disruption to traffic.
Disability advocate Phillip Beddall, who has cerebral palsy, has advocated for the stop “for a long time”.
Previously, he travelled to another stop, further away from his home, to use a tram or catch taxis to get around, which he said was expensive.
The Adelaide resident, also the chairman of Enhanced Lifestyles, said he was “extremely excited” he could now catch the tram from the stop nearest his home.
“This is a significant day for people with a disability,” Mr Beddall, 50, said.
“Not only for people with disabilities, it is a significant day for all of South Australia because everyone will be able to use tram service.
“For a transport system to work, it needs to be fully integrated and fully accessible … this is another thing that has been achieved and we can move onto the next thing.”
He said it would also help mothers with prams.
There will still be some minor works at night.
For more City news, visit thecityadelaide.com
Originally published as Traffic restrictions lifted and tram services to resume through Adelaide CBD
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