Construction of new tram line to old RAH to start this year in $55m State Budget spend
CONSTRUCTION of a new tram line to the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site will begin this year, in a $55 million State Budget spend that kickstarts an extension to the eastern suburbs.
Premier Jay Weatherill has today announced the move, which comes as the State Government considers bids for a major revamp of the old RAH site when it empties next year.
The new RAH on the western end of North Tce is expected to open early next year, triggering the biggest moving house in SA history and the closure of the existing hospital.
Mr Weatherill said the tram extension would add three new stops on North Tce to service the universities and old RAH site, with future ambitions to go even further east.
The Government will contribute $50 million and Adelaide City Council $5 million.
At the federal election, Labor promised $500 million for Adelaide tram upgrades.
Mr Weatherill said the state’s Industry Participation Advocate will ensure as many local jobs and contractors as possible are used during construction of the one-kilometre extension.
A Registration of Interest for tenders as part of this stage will be called this week, with early works expected to commence in the last quarter of 2016, subject to the necessary approvals.
An artist’s impression of the tram extension on North Tce. Picture: Supplied
Mr Weatherill said the Government’s tram plans were “one of our state’s most exciting infrastructure projects” and would help develop a “modern, vibrant and liveable city”.
“As we have seen with the development of the city’s western Riverbank Precinct, this extension will also help to reactivate vacant sites, including key buildings along North Terrace,” he said.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said he was “committed to investing in public transport”
“This tram extension along North Tce is also an investment in SA jobs,” he said. “We will ensure as many local jobs and contractors as possible are used during the project.”
An artist’s impression of the tram extension on North Tce. Picture: Supplied
Lord Mayor Martin Haese said the project would leverage more investment in the city.
“This financial commitment can help the future of the old RAH site, support the East End and encourage activation on the southern side of North Tce,” he said.
“This project will connect some of North Terrace’s most prominent institutions including the State Library, South Australian Museum, Art Gallery, Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk,
University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and the Adelaide Botanic Garden.”
Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said the Liberals offered bipartisan support for a new tram to the East End.
The Opposition have called for spending on new productive infrastructure in Thursday’s State Budget, which will create jobs in the building phase and increase economic capacity.
