Mott MacDonald to help deliver crucial Tram Grade Separation Projects in Adelaide

An alliance comprising designers Mott MacDonald, Arup and Aurecon and constructors McConnell Dowell and CPB Contractors, has been awarded the contract to deliver the Tram Grade Separation Projects in Adelaide, Australia.

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.

Adrian Jones, managing director for Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, said: "It's incredibly exciting to be involved in the Tram Grade Separation Projects, which will improve the daily life of many members of the community, bringing increased safety and reduced congestion to South Australian roads. We look forward to working alongside our alliance partners, providing our expertise to support the delivery of an exceptional outcome."

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.