• Lifestyle
    • Your home
    • Our state
    • Member deals
    • Bushfire safety
  • On the Road
    • Car Advice
    • Road Rules
    • In focus
    • Road Safety
    • Australia’s Best Cars
  • Travel
    • South Australia
    • Interstate
    • Overseas
    • Tips
  • Competitions
  • Read the magazine

What’s slowing Adelaide’s daily commute?

Report shows tram crossings are causing headaches for road users.

By Clair Morton
Published: Wednesday, February 14, 2018

If the government wants to reduce peak-hour congestion, they'll need to re-think Adelaide’s tram crossings.

That’s according to the results of RAA’s latest travel time survey, which shows the Glenelg tram is a major contributor to crawling traffic on three key Adelaide roads.

In particular, the triangle of Marion Rd, Anzac Hwy and Cross Rd has been identified as one of the slowest spots across the road network.

RAA Senior Manager of Road Safety, Charles Mountain, said members had made it clear they were frustrated with bottlenecks caused by passing trams, and – looking at the data – it’s not hard to see why.

On Marion Rd, average speeds dropped as low as 7km/h at 7.50am.

“Having three major intersections so close to one another is bound to lead to congestion, but this is compounded by the tramline that bisects this triangle of roads,” Mr Mountain says.

“For example, on Marion Rd, traffic comes to a complete halt up to 10 times during the morning peak so trams can pass through.”

While there’s no tram crossing on Anzac Hwy itself, the flow-on effect is significant. In fact, the average morning speed sunk as low as 10km/h on the section between Mornington Ave and Marion Rd – meaning it took up to three-and-a-half minutes to travel less than 700m.

Adding to the problem is the fact traffic volumes on sections of Marion Rd and Anzac Hwy have increased by about 15% in the past five years.

While Mr Mountain made it clear RAA supported Adelaide’s tram network, he said any future tram works needed to better take into account impacts on road traffic.

“The government’s transport plan details the need to expand the tram network to address population growth and encourage public transport use. While this would be positive, their plan doesn’t out outline the effect this will have on motorists or what can be done to mitigate it,” Mr Mountain said.

The most logical solution, he says, would be to build a tram overpass or underpass at these congestion points, similar to the one on South Rd, so that motorists don’t have to wait at tram crossings.

“In the meantime, we would like to see the state Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan updated to recognise the significant congestion that occurs due to vehicles having to wait at tram crossings, so that it can be addressed as part of any future planning for Adelaide’s road network,” he said.

Report a road

If you’re concerned about a section of road, let RAA’s road-safety team know.

Let us know

Share
Tweet

Related Articles

On the Road

5 must-dos before going on a road trip

RAA motoring experts share what to do before hitting the road.

More

Car Advice

How to select the right car seat covers

It may seem simple, but do you know what to look for in a car seat cover?

More

In focus

Don’t risk your children’s lives

Data shows kids continue to be locked in cars at an alarming rate.

More

Road Rules

How to parallel park

A guide to one of the trickiest driving manouvres.

More

GPO BOX 1499 ADELAIDE 5001

T. 08 8202 4600

  • Home
  • About us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • T&C
  • Advertise
  • © Copyright 2021 RAA