Wheels in motion for Entertainment Centre extension

Detailed plans have been released for the next step in the Rann Government’s Coast to Coast Light Rail development, showing the tramline as it will appear between City West and the Entertainment Centre.

The design incorporates the trams into a central alignment along North Terrace and Port Road, before terminating in the median strip at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, itself currently undergoing refurbishment. Looking somewhat like a scene from western Europe, the terminus will feature a wide platform, stylish modern shelter and pedestrianised plaza set around the famed flagpole. The plaza also aligns with Station Road, making a direct connection between the Entertainment Centre, the new tram terminus and Bowden railway station.

New stations at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital site, Light Terrace and Bonython Park are also incorporated into the exciting new plans, which will complete the Terrace to Terrace tram link and provide a direct connection between the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and the CBD entertainment precincts such as the Convention Centre, Casino, Festival Centre, Rundle Mall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Gouger Street. In addition, four new Flexity Classic trams from Bombardier have been ordered to augment the 11-vehicle full-access fleet, with leased trams likely to cover the gap between the delivery of the new trams and the opening of the extension.

Also included in the DTEI’s new renders is a cycleway and commuter path between Port Road and Bonython Park, and what appears to be a terminating road for the Terrace to Terrace shuttle service at the stop servicing the forthcoming new Royal Adelaide Hospital. The first trams should roll down the new tracks before the middle of 2010, with work due to start this month. Coverage of extension works will be provided by RailSA throughout the construction period.

RailSA