The State Government has this week begun consulting with local businesses and the community as the City South Tram Line Replacement Project gets underway.
The existing City South tram stop will be upgraded to meet requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) as the current platforms do not have signage, ramps, Tactile Ground Surface Indicators or enough space for wheelchair access.
The project also includes the replacement of the tram tracks between South Terrace and Victoria Square (at the intersection of Gouger Street and Angas Street), to create a dedicated tram corridor.
The total project cost has been revised to $17.5 million primarily due to a change in the project scope.
"The State Government is beginning the consultation process with local businesses and residents immediately, well ahead of the construction phase, to minimise any disruption as much as possible," said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.
"A top priority will be providing support to local businesses that may be affected by this project.
"The existing tram tracks on King William Street between South Terrace and Victoria Square were constructed in the early 1980s and are reaching the end of their useful life.
"Therefore, these are necessary and important works that must occur and importantly also gives an opportunity to make the City South tram stop DDA compliant.
"The Marshall Government is continuing to work to make our public transport network more accessible and disability friendly.
"This project will also reduce delays to current tram operations and improve the safety along King William Street for both road and tram users.
"This project adds to the growing list of measures the Marshall Government is delivering to improve our public transport network including building four new Park 'n' Rides and the Gawler line electrification project."
Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor welcomed the State Government's investment and the commencement of the project.
"The City of Adelaide has long advocated for an upgrade to the City South tram stop, which services an important main street and an increasing residential population," said the Lord Mayor.
"Council will work closely with the Government to ensure the impact of construction on local small businesses and residents is minimised as much as possible.
"Along with my fellow members, I look forward to seeing the community engagement outcomes and to viewing the final design.
"I look forward to this project making the tram network safer and more accessible for everyone."
