Tram services to Glenelg will resume on Australia Day following successful testing of the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Government's $870 million Tram Grade Separation Projects.
Over the next few days, driver training will continue to ensure tram drivers are familiar with the new overpasses, signalling and tram stops as they prepare to transport passengers once services resume, with the first service at 6:09am from Stop 13 on Monday, January 26.
As part of the work program to return to full service, the entire tram network will be closed today and tomorrow, as well as Sunday to allow final preparations to be completed.
During the full three-day tram network closure substitute bus services will operate between Wigley Reserve and the Entertainment Centre and Botanic Gardens tram stops. This includes 515 substitute bus services today, 381 on Saturday and 185 for Sunday.
The Glenelg tram line has been upgraded as part of the Tram Grade Separation Projects to build two new overpasses - one over Morphett Road and another over Marion and Cross roads - and also rebuilding the South Road Tram Overpass to accommodate the River Torrens to Darlington Project open-motorway.
The project included the removal of three level crossings with boom gates that previously were down during peak hours for up to 20 minutes per hour. This has improved traffic flow for approximately 50,000 vehicles each day at Marion Road and Cross Road, and approximately 25,600 per day at Morphettville Road.
The $870 million Tram Grade Separation Projects have been jointly funded by the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments and have supported more than 1,115 full time jobs during construction.
As put by Emily Bourke
We know there are many people that are counting down to be among the first back on the trams and the wait is almost over.
Set the alarm, it will be an early start if you want to jump on the first tram to travel over the new overpasses, leaving Glengowrie at 6:09am.
I want to the thank the hundreds of people who have worked on this project to get the trams running again as soon as possible.
It's been six months since services to Glenelg were paused and in that short space of time the project teams have removed three congested tram level crossings, built two new overpasses at Plympton and Morphettville and rebuilt the South Road overpass at Glandore.
The community and tram users have been incredibly patient during this period but it's not long now until they can get back onboard the tram.
