The Alliance comprising the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, constructors McConnell Dowell and CPB Contractors, and designers Mott MacDonald, Arup and Aurecon, is proud to announce the award of the contract to deliver the Tram Grade Separation Projects.

The Australian and South Australian governments have jointly (50:50) funded $400 million to removing the two level crossings where the Glenelg tram line crosses Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton.

The Alliance will remove the level crossing at Morphett Road, Morphettville, which was recently confirmed and forms part of the $850m Broader Network Upgrade package of works, as part of the North-South Corridor T2D Project.

The existing tram overpass at South Road, Glandore will also be re-built at the same time by the Alliance, funded as part of the $15.4 billion North-South Corridor T2D Project.

Quotes

Speaking on the award announcement, Alliance General Manager Nigel Schmidt said...

"I am excited to lead our high-performing team in delivering another landmark transport infrastructure project for South Australia. With our extensive experience in successfully executing projects of this nature, I look forward to further strengthening our collaborative relationship with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, and key stakeholders. By leading an energetic and highly experienced team, I am confident in our ability to achieve outstanding results."

McConnell Dowell Australia's Managing Director, Mario Russo said...

"I am proud to be a part the Tram Grade Separation project, a critical initiative that underscores our commitment to advancing South Australia's transport infrastructure. This project is of immense importance to our company, highlighting our ability to deliver complex and impactful solutions. By leveraging our expertise and fostering strong partnerships with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and our Alliance partners, we are poised to deliver another important infrastructure outcome for South Australians."

Project impact

Approximately 50,000 vehicles pass through the Marion Road and Cross Road level crossings each day. During the morning and afternoon peak around 30 trams also pass through, resulting in the boom gates being down for up to 20 minutes each hour. Motorists currently experience congestion and variable travel times, particularly during these busy peak periods.

Approximately 25,600 vehicles pass through the Morphett Road Level Crossing each day.

Removing these level crossings will:

• reduce travel times for motorists, buses, freight and airport traffic
• improve safety for local residents, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and tram drivers
• provide new, safer and more accessible tram stops with improved pedestrian access
• improve connection and sense of community between the suburbs either side of the tram line
• create new community open space for locals to enjoy

As part of the project, the intersections at Marion Road and Cross Road and Marion Road and Anzac Highway will be upgraded to further relieve congestion and improve safety.

Site investigations to inform planning are underway. Major construction will start in late 2024 and the level crossings will be removed by the end of 2025.