The South Australian Government has put the first stage of the massive expansion of Adelaide’s tram network out to market.
The $50 million investment announced on Monday will extend the existing tramline along North Terrace to Adelaide’s East End, forming part one of EastLINK, the proposed new line with future stages planned through Kent Town to the Eastern suburbs.
The one kilometre extension will also become the first stage in the CityLINK loop around the CBD
It will feature three new stops and provide a frequent and reliable link between the Riverbank’s Educational and Cultural Precinct, Entertainment Precinct and the Health and Biomedical Precinct, South Australian minister for transport and infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said.
“The State Government’s investment in revitalising our public transport network is unprecedented,” the minister said.
“AdeLINK is an ambitious project that will connect North, South, East and West, ease city congestion and reduce our carbon footprint it is also an investment in South Australian jobs – we will ensure as many local jobs and contractors as possible are utilised during the project.
“Expanding our tram network has the potential to attract investment, boost economic growth and encourage urban renewal and jobs, and bring residents and visitors to the city centre.
“Importantly, it will support and contribute to the growing market demand for residential development in the CBD, inner and middle metropolitan Adelaide,” he added.
“We know light rail is a successful public transport option which encourages people to start using public transport.
“The extension of the Glenelg tram line to the Entertainment Centre has proven to be extremely popular since it was opened, with many commuters making the switch from driving their cars to taking the tram.”
Mullighan wants to award the contract soon, with works scheduled to commence in the first quarter of next year and be completed by the end of 2017, weather permitting.
The State Government is also calling for tenders for improvements to the existing tram network, including a “much needed” upgrade to the City South tram stop and upgrading tram tracks that will provide tram passengers with a smoother, quieter journey.
The silliest decision every. They should be getting on with the Underground Rail under North Terrace. Only about 1,000 persons per hour on a very slow trip will be result of $100m expenditure.
King William Street – North Terrace intersection will be a bottle-neck that can never be resolved. North South Bus Routes have no alternative routes. Motor cars & Bikes have basically no alternative to going across this intersection.
Currently there are trams every 5 minutes in each direction for the South Terrace to West Terrace section of the route. On average, one tram every 150 seconds during rush periods
If this New RAH to Old RAH tram route is built there will be another set of trams every 5 minutes in each direction.
The North Terrace – King William Street intersection will have trams every 75 seconds.