08 Jan, 2016

$1M GREENING PROGRAM UNDERWAY

City of Adelaide has broken ground on the first of its $1 million Greener Streets program, with space being created for new trees in Gouger Street next to the Adelaide Central Market.

The $190,000 works involve the planting of four trees as well as widening of the central median strip.

Acting Lord Mayor Houssam Abiad said the project will further enhance this world-famous eating and market precinct.

“This is the start of a broader transformation of our streets as we test new ways to introduce trees in difficult urban spaces,” said Houssam.

“Trees help can help improve a city’s air quality, visual amenity and liveability as well as offer shade to people in the area.

“The works will also provide a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists crossing Gouger Street as well as additional bike parking.”

This crossing forms part of the city’s key north-south ‘walking and cycling’ link between Gouger Street at the Central Markets and South Terrace at Veale Gardens, through Compton, Russell and Owen Streets.

Improving the quality and safety of walking and cycling infrastructure along these local streets is part of Council’s Smart Move strategy to increase the number of people who walk and ride in the city.

The strategy also aims to maintain good vehicle access and on-street parking for residents, businesses and visitors.

Council is working closely with SA Water on the Gouger Street project, as the planned median strip runs over an original vitreous clay sewerage main.

SA Water’s Environmental Impact Assessment Officer Alex Czura said the pipes run approximately four metres deep below many of the city streets.

“These pipes have previously prevented trees being planted in certain areas due to the risk of tree root intrusion,” said Alex.

“However, an innovative design solution including liners and soil moisture probes will allow Council to plant the new trees while still protecting some of SA Water’s vital assets.”

The expanded median strip is expected to be completed by early February and the trees will be planted in April (during cooler weather conditions) to allow the trees to thrive and grow quickly.

Other projects currently being developed as part of the Greener Streets program include a green wall at Council’s own building at 25 Pirie Street; a residential greening pilot in the west end; and additional trees and greenery for some of the city’s key streets.

Other joint work between City of Adelaide and SA Water includes:

• installing rain gardens and cycle pathways on Owen, Russell and Compton Streets around SA Water’s water mains
• planning native tree species selection and planting techniques to plant large trees on Wakefield street over an original sewerage main that runs through Victoria Square.

Matt Halliwell