The Federal and South Australian Governments are each investing $100 million in the removal of a tram level crossing on Morphett Road.
The crossing will be replaced by a tram overpass, benefiting the 25,600 motorists who drive through the level crossing every day and reducing lengthy delays, particularly during peak times when the boom gates are down for up to 16 minutes each hour.
It will also significantly improve road safety, with 106 crashes and 40 injuries occurring within the project area between 2019 and 2023.
The announcement is part of a wider initiative between the two governments to heighten road and rail safety across the state.
It follows a $400 million equal funding commitment to remove the tram level crossings at Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton.
The Tram Grade Separation Projects (TGSP) will be undertaken by the recently appointed Tram Grade Separation Projects Alliance of McConnell Dowell, CPB Contractors, Arup, Mott MacDonald and sub-Alliance partner Aurecon, together with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
The TGSP Alliance will also rebuild the South Road Tram Overpass at Glandore to accommodate the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) lowered motorway, as part of the $15.4 billion T2D project.
The level crossing removal projects and South Road tram overpass rebuild is expected to support approximately 1,115 full-time-equivalent jobs per year over the construction period.
As part of the TGSP, the intersections at Marion Road and Cross Road, Marion Road and Anzac Highway, and Morphett Road and Anzac Highway will also be upgraded, further improving road safety across the network and easing traffic congestion.
The alliance will complete the works on all the overpasses at the same time to fast-track construction time and reduce the impact on local residents, businesses and commuters.
Major construction is expected to start in late 2024, with the level crossings to be removed by the end of 2025.
To fast-track the works and reduce the impact on locals, the Glenelg tram line will be temporarily closed for approximately six months in the second half of 2025, allowing the overpasses to be constructed at the same time within the existing corridor.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that removing the Morphett Road level crossing will improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians who will benefit from the raising of the Mike Turtur Bikeway crossing of Morphett Road.
“The Federal Government investment in this project will ensure commuters can benefit from safer, faster trips along these crucial traffic links for years to come,” Minister King said.
“This project demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting more efficient, resilient and integrated traffic and transport solutions for South Australians.”
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis, said that removing level crossings improves safety and reduces congestion, so he is pleased to add the Morphett Road crossing to the list of those being removed to be replaced with a tram overpass.
“These projects will make a huge difference to road users and the local communities, improving safety and reducing congestion, particularly during peak times,” Minister Koutsantonis said.
“We’re working hard to achieve efficient, resilient and integrated traffic and transport solutions for South Australians, and this is the latest example of that.
“The projects will also provide an important boost to the South Australian economy, supporting approximately 1,115 full-time-equivalent jobs per year over the construction period.”
Image: Keitma/shutterstock.com
