Where is the project up to?

Since July 2008, the project team has undertaken extensive preliminary work to develop a safe and efficient tramline service to Adelaide Entertainment Centre. This included examining a range of technical and planning issues and engaging with local and state agencies, private sector groups and the community.

Community feedback received to date has been very supportive of the new tramline extension seeing that it will encourage greater use of public transport, reduce the reliance on cars and support urban regeneration of Hindmarsh, Thebarton and Bowden.

Feedback and information collected during the community engagement process will continue to be considered during the detailed design and development of the tramline extension to Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Why is the tramline being extended?

In the 2008 State Budget the Government announced an expansion of the light rail network ‘Coast to Coast’ from Glenelg to the City and on to West Lakes, Port Adelaide and Semaphore.

The tram extension is part of this $2 billion vision to transform Adelaide’s public transport network into a vibrant, state-of-the-art system, providing faster, cleaner, more frequent and efficient services for train, tram and bus commuters.

Following on from the overwhelming success of the tramline extension to City West, the next stage of the extension will take the tramline corridor another 2.8 km along North Terrace onto Port Road to Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

In conjunction with the tramline extension, a Park n Ride facility will be developed using Adelaide Entertainment Centre’s car park.

Who is the contractor for this extension?

Australian firms Thiess and DownerEDI Works have won the contract to undertake design and development work as part of the Government’s Early Contractor Involvement procurement program. In addition, the design team specialising in the area of roads, traffic and urban design will be led by South Australian based firms Hassell, Connell Wagner and Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Is the Government buying new trams?

In addition to the eleven Flexity trams currently in service, additional trams will be provided to support the new service to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

What is the timing for other stages?

The current program is to extend the light rail service to West Lakes by approximately 2015 and to Semaphore via Port Adelaide by 2018.

Where will the tram corridor to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre be located?

Trams will run in their own corridor down the centre of North Terrace and Port Road through signalised intersections with other road traffic.

This central track alignment has been selected to make sure the project best meets the needs of road and public transport users, businesses owners and local residents.

Key features of this central alignment.

• The same number of traffic lanes will be kept in both directions on Port Road and North Terrace – this will help maintain the existing traffic capacity of the local and wider road network.
• Left turn vehicle movements at side streets will be maintained.
• For safety reasons, right turn vehicle movements will not be allowed across the tramline, except at existing or new signalised intersections. This will avoid road traffic cutting across the path of trams.
• Free tram travel within the Central Business District will continue.
• Allowance will be made for vehicle access requirements to the new Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Hospital.
• Existing bike lanes will be retained.

Where will I catch the tram?

Four new tram stops are planned along the corridor and will be easily accessible by all users. The stops are proposed to be located at:

• North Terrace, between Gray Street and West Terrace. This will also service the future Marjorie-Jackson Nelson Hospital.
• Port Road/Light Terrace
• Port Road/Phillips Street
• Opposite Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

New pedestrian crossings for the proposed Gray Street and Light Terrace tram stops. The proposed Phillips Street and Adelaide Entertainment Centre tram stops will use existing pedestrian crossings.

How will the project manage potential environmental impacts?

An environmental impact assessment process will be undertaken to ensure an orderly and systematic evaluation of the project. It is undertaken to make sure that projects:

• manage the environmental effects and contribute to sustainable development
• contribute to South Australian Government strategic planning goals
• meet the department’s legal obligations.

Every effort will be made during the design development period to reduce the impact of these works on existing vegetation.

The project team will work closely with local councils, environmental interest groups and local residents to examine landscaping opportunities around the tramline corridor.

How will this impact my businesses along the tram corridor?

The department recognises those who operate businesses on North Terrace or Port Road will have questions and concerns specific to their business. As a result, we are currently conducting a comprehensive community engagement process to understand the issues and requirements of these businesses. 

Where is the Park n Ride located?

The project team will work with the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to establish a safe and easily accessible Park n Ride facility using their existing car park. This facility will cater for those people wishing to park their car outside the city and hop on the tram to take them into work, shopping or even through to Glenelg.

How long will this project take to complete?

It is anticipated that construction on the tramline extension will begin in 2009 and be fully operational in early 2010

How will construction affect me?

Every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience to local residents, businesses and commuters during construction. A detailed construction plan will be developed and the project team will engage with the local community throughout this time.

How will this project affect the local amenity?

The extension of the tramline will make an important contribution to enhancing the sustainability of our city, improving liveability and facilitating greater travel choice. It is anticipated that the design of all rail and track infrastructure and urban elements such as poles, shelters, platforms will be consistent with the design of the first tramline extension, providing a seamless connection throughout the city. The aim is to improve the overall amenity of the local area wherever possible.

What are the changes to existing car parking on Port Road and North Terrace?

A change in the current parking conditions on North Terrace and Port Road will be required to accommodate: two tram tracks through the centre of North Terrace and Port Road; future development space for the Marjorie Jackson Nelson Hospital; and to keep the existing number of traffic lanes.. 

It is proposed that current angled parking on the southern side of North Terrace will be changed to parallel and all parking on the northern side will be removed.  Likewise, parking on Port Road between James Congdon Drive and Park Terrace will also be removed and used as a through lane. 

How can I provide feedback?

Community feedback is fundamental to the success of this project. 

You can contribute your views by:

• Completing the feedback/enquiry form (provide link to the form)
• Attending one of the community open days on:
• • Sunday 7 December 2008 from 11am to 3pm at Rundle Mall near Stephens Terrace
  • Tuesday 9 December 2008 from 3pm to 7pm at Hindmarsh Library
• Calling the project enquiry line on 1800 726 500 and speaking to a member of the project team

You can also join our mailing list, to receive all the latest project updates as soon as they are available.

Upcoming community consultation opportunities will be widely publicised, both through this website and via the local media. We welcome all feedback and look forward to working positively with the community to deliver a successful project.