10 Nov, 2013

Victoria Square Central Roadway to reopen on Monday

Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga’s Central Roadway, connecting Grote and Wakefield streets, will reopen to traffic on 11 November, following a temporary closure to complete underground works.

The roadway will remain open to traffic with ongoing traffic restrictions in place until the upgrade is completed in time for the Tour Down Under. From Monday, cars travelling west will be able to utilise the newly created southern bus lane, while commuters heading east can access the central lane.

Lord Mayor, Stephen Yarwood, thanked city commuters and local businesses for their patience and cooperation while construction work is under way during the $28 million redevelopment.

“The temporary road closure was a critical part of the redevelopment and has allowed progress to continue on schedule, ensuring we stay on track for handover of the site for the Tour Down Under,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see the project beginning to take shape in a real, tangible sense after months of underground works.

“In the lead up to its completion, we’ve be working with events and community organisations to ensure the Square is filled with activities for everyone from the start of 2014.

“It will be a place where all South Australians and visitors can enjoy a real cross-section of activities and entertainment in a vibrant, new and improved space in the heart of our city, and alongside the world-class Adelaide Central Markets.”

Stephen said traffic statistics are being analysed to give Council a better view of the routes road users took while the central roadway was closed.

“We commissioned an independent traffic study to monitor vehicle movements during the temporary road closure, which is helping us to understand vehicle numbers and the alternative routes people used during the closure,” he said.

“These findings will help to inform road management plans for future events that require access to the central roadway, which has the dual purpose as a roadway and plaza event space.

Project Manager, Tom Playford, thanked lead contractor Fulton Hogan and the 30 or more sub-contractors involved in completing critical works in such a short space of time.

“You can see now the bus lane pavement in its full form, curving around the southern side of the central roadway, and the pavers look great now they are all in place,” he said.

“The next steps will see trees planted in the central roadway area, lawn laid in the event space, as well as installing new urban lounges and shade structures along the promenades, together with a new play space fountain at the northern tip of the Square.”

In the coming weeks, the Reconciliation Committee will also consider a proposal to rename the central roadway ‘Reconciliation Way’, in the spirit of reconciliation and to recognise the Square’s significance as a meeting place for both Aboriginal people and white settlers.

For more information, visit www.smartmoveadelaide.com or www.victoriasquareadelaide.com.au

Victoria Loughhead