South Australian transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan has named the consortium that will deliver the $80 million City Tram Extension Project.
A consortium of Downer EDI Works and York Civil will deliver four new stops – one on King William Road, and three along North Terrace – and will rebuild the intersection between the two roads to provide additional turning movements for trams.
Mullighan made the announcement after the State Government decided it would invest an additional $10 million into the project, bringing the total project cost to $80 million.
The additional funds allow for the intersection work, and for the tram track along King William Road to be extended a further 100 metres north than originally proposed, to improve disability access and enhance pedestrian connectivity.
Night work will soon begin, to locate underground services and utilities along the route, along with geotechnical investigations.
Works are scheduled to be completed early 2018, weather permitting.
“We’re building a bigger tram network which will cater for thousands more passengers travelling around our city,” Mullighan said.
“The former Liberal Government did not order a single new tram in its time in office. Heritage H-class trams were used on a neglected network which only travelled between Glenelg and Victoria Square.
“The State Government’s investment in revitalising our public transport network is unprecedented.
“This $80 million investment will kick start the first stage of our ambitious tram expansion project that will connect north, south, east and west, easing city congestion and reducing our carbon footprint.
“It is also an investment in South Australian jobs – we are ensuring as many local jobs and contractors as possible are utilised during the project with 90% of all labour hours to be undertaken by South Australians.”