Builder announced for SA Tram Grade Separation Projects

The Australian and South Australian Governments are committing $100 million each to remove the congested and dangerous tram level crossing at Morphett Road and replace it with a tram overpass. 

By replacing the level crossing with an overpass, it will help reduce delays for the 25,600 motorists who drive through this section of the road each day, especially during peak times when the boom gates are down for almost 16 minutes each hour. 

“Removing the Morphett Road level crossing will improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians who will benefit from the raising of the Mike Turtur Bikeway crossing of Morphett Road. 

“The Albanese Government investment in this project will ensure commuters can benefit from safer, faster trips along these crucial traffic links for years to come. 

“This project demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting more efficient, resilient and integrated traffic and transport solutions for South Australians,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The project area has seen 106 crashes and 40 injuries between 2019 and 2023, and the removal of the level crossing will significantly improve safety on Morphett Road. 

The removal of the Morphett Road tram level crossing builds on the $400 million jointly funded project to remove the tram level crossings at Marion Road and Cross Road in Plympton. 

“We know that removing level crossings improves safety and reduces congestion, so I am pleased we can now add the Morphett Road crossing to the list of those being removed to be replaced with a tram overpass. 

“These projects will make a huge difference to road users and the local communities, improving safety and reducing congestion, particularly during peak times. 

“We’re working hard to achieve efficient, resilient and integrated traffic and transport solutions for South Australians, and this is the latest example of that,” SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said. 

Artist impression of the Morphett Road tram overpass (source: SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport)

The tram level crossing removals will be delivered under the Tram Grade Separation Projects (TGSP), with the newly appointed Tram Grade Separation Projects Alliance undertaking the works. The Alliance is comprised of McConnell Dowell, CPB Contractors, Arup, Mott MacDonald and sub-Alliance partner Aurecon, alongside the South Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport. 

In addition to the tram level crossing removals, the TGSP Alliance will also rebuild the South Road Tram Overpass at Glandore to accommodate the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) lowered motorway – as part of the $15.4 billion T2D Project. 

“I am excited to lead our team in delivering another landmark transport infrastructure project for South Australia. I look forward to further strengthening our collaborative relationship with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and achieving outstanding results for our stakeholders and the community,” Tram Grade Separation Projects Alliance General Manager Nigel Schmidt said. 

“CPB Contractors looks forward to further growing our partnership with South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport to safely deliver this important piece of infrastructure on time and on budget for the city of Adelaide. 

“With over 40 years’ experience delivering city and region-shaping infrastructure in South Australia, we look forward to furthering our legacy in providing local employment and training opportunities, with a focus on diversity. Our expert team will continue our commitment to ensuring that social and economic benefits are maximised for the communities in which we work by prioritising the engagement of local businesses and suppliers, including Indigenous-owned businesses and social enterprises,” CPB Contractors Managing Director Jason Spears said. 

The level crossing removal projects as well as the rebuilding of the South Road tram overpass will support up to 1,115 full-time equivalent jobs annually during the construction period. 

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

The Alliance will carry out works on all level crossing removals at the same time to fast track construction time and to reduce impact on residents, businesses and commuters in those areas. 

Major construction on the projects is due to begin in late 2024, with the level crossings gone by the end of 2025. 

“Congestion at these intersections is raised with me constantly when I’m out in the community. That’s why I’m so pleased that the State and Federal Governments are working together to deliver a practical fix. 

“I have been advocating for this because removing the three level crossings – Marion and Cross Roads which are already underway, and now Morphett Road as well – will improve safety for commuters, nearby residents, pedestrians, cyclists and tram drivers, and introduce new, safer and more accessible tram stops,” Federal member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost said. 

Meanwhile, the Glenelg tram line will be temporarily shut down for about six months in the second half of 2025 to allow for the overpasses to be built at the same time within the existing tram corridor. 

Trams will remain operational between the Entertainment Centre and the city (to South Terrace), and between the Entertainment Centre and Botanic Gardens. On the other hand, substitute buses will service commuters between Glenelg and South Terrace. 

“This is a fantastic announcement to improve safety on Morphett Road and reduce congestion. When speaking with community members, road safety is something that is constantly raised with me and I welcome the State and Federal Labor Governments’ investment to make this part of Morphett Road safer for our community by removing the level crossing and replacing it with an overpass,” State Member for Gibson Sarah Andrews said. 

“Motorists, particularly in Plympton and Plympton Park, have raised this with me at meetings I’ve held on fixing local traffic snarls and hundreds have signed my petition seeking action. 

“Getting it done while the tram line is already shut down has been a primary concern and will limit the inconvenience motorists and tram commuters in my area will endure,” State Member for Badcoe Jayne Stinson said. 

Artist impression of the Cross Road tram overpass (source: SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport)

Key features of the Morphett Road project include: 

• New, safer and more accessible tram stops 

• Tram Stop 12 (Morphett) relocated eastward and combined with the Morphettville Racecourse 

• Tram Stop 13 (Glengowrie) rebuilt closer to Morphett Road 

• New open community space under the tram line 

• Elevated Mike Turtur Bikeway and shared use path alongside the tram line creating safer and smoother journeys 

• Upgrades to the Morphett Road and Anzac Highway intersection to further improve the flow of traffic, ease congestion and improve travel times and safety 

• Upgrade to Morphett Road and Anzac Highway intersection, including: 

• • Installation of two dedicated right hand turn lanes from Morphett Road onto Anzac Highway City bound 

• • Installation of two through lanes travelling northbound on Morphett Road 

• • Extension of left turn lane from Anzac Highway onto Morphett Road southbound 

• • Installation of two through lanes travelling southbound on Morphett Road 

• • New dedicated right turn lane from Morphett Road onto Anzac Highway westbound 

• • New and upgraded traffic signals, LED road lighting, line marking and drainage 

• • New asphalt, kerb and gutters 

The Marion Road and Cross Road project includes: 

• New elevated Tram Stop 10 located over Marion Road and Cross Road 

• Lifts and stairs on the western and eastern sides of Marion Road 

• New open community space and free-flow connections under the tram line 

• Elevated Mike Turtur Bikeway and shared use path alongside the tram line 

• Marion Road and Anzac Highway intersection upgrades, including: 

• • Installation of two dedicated right turn lanes from Marion Road onto Anzac highway 

• • Two dedicated signalised left turn lanes from anzac Highway onto Marion Road 

• • New and upgraded traffic signals, LED road lighting, line marking and drainage 

• • New asphalt, kerb and gutter 

• Marion Road and Cross Road intersection upgrades, including: 

• • Installation of a new dedicated left turn lane from Marion Road onto Cross Road 

• • Installation of new dedicated left turn lane from Cross Road onto Marion Road 

• • New and upgraded traffic signals, LED road lighting, line marking and drainage 

• • New asphalt, kerb and gutters 

Source: Premier of South Australia – News; Government of South Australia – Department for Infrastructure and Transport (1, 2, 3); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; CPB Contractors; McConnell Dowell; Roads & Infrastructure Australia (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine; Inside Construction