Construction of Adelaide tram extension to begin in weeks

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An AdeLINK tram passes through North Terrace. Credit: TonyNg/Shutterstock.
An AdeLINK tram passes through North Terrace. Credit: TonyNg/Shutterstock.
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Major work to extend the AdeLINK tram network is to begin on October 1.

A number of traffic restrictions will be in place when the Government of South Australia’s department of planning, transport and infrastructure kicks off the $80 million project.

Engineers will work around the clock, seven days a week, to minimise disruptions to Adelaide, but the tram network will not be affected.

Traffic restrictions along North Terrace – in the heart of the state capital city – will be removed on October 16 if it goes ahead as planned.


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The state government has provided $80 million in funding to complete the first stage of the EastLINK tram network extension to the city’s East End.

This includes a 1km extension along North Terrace, from King William street to East Terrace, and an extension along King William Road to the Adelaide Festival Plaza precinct.

Four new stops – on King William Road servicing the Festival Plaza and three stops on North Terrace servicing the museum and library precinct, universities and the Old Royal Adelaide Hospital Site – will be included.

As well as the extension, the project includes the purchase of three new trams.

Adelaide city council are understood to be contributing $5 million to help fast-track the project.

City planners have gone ahead with the extension to support Adelaide’s shopping, restaurant and tourism precinct in the East End.

It’s hoped the project will also help to reinvigorate vacant sites along North Terrace.

In total the Government of South Australia estimates that 83 jobs will be supported during construction.

Future plans include extending the network to Kent Town.

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