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Tens of thousands of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians a day would benefit from an RAA proposal to remove a notorious roadblock created by the tram level crossing at Marion Road at Plympton.
The regular crossings of Marion Road by trams, cyclists and pedestrians at this crossing are causing significant traffic delays, especially during peak periods, an RAA investigation has revealed.
According to an RAA study this month:
Traffic on Marion Road had a red light due to trams or the Mike Turtur Bikeway about 30 per cent of the time during the morning peak (7am-9am) – or more than 36 minutes of the two hour period.
Traffic on Marion Road has a red light due to trams or the Mike Turtur Bikeway about 33% of the time during the afternoon peak (4pm-6pm) – or 38 minutes of the two hour period.
Level crossing activations are an average of 1 minute each, with the longest time being 2 minutes and the shortest being 40 seconds. Pedestrian crossing activations are about 20 seconds each
RAA has made an upgrade of this level crossing to separate the road with the tram lines and bikeway a state election priority.
Tens of thousands of vehicles travel through this level crossing each day, and RAA wants the issue addressed to reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance access for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and tram users.
RAA Safety and Infrastructure Senior Manager Charles Mountain said upcoming work on the North-South Corridor would likely see an increase in traffic along this section of Marion Road, as drivers seek an alternative route.
“Our research shows significant delays to traffic – especially during peak periods’’
RAA Safety and Infrastructure Senior Manager, Charles Mountain
“We believe grade separation of the tram line and Cross Road should also be considered as part of any design due to its proximity to the Marion Road level crossing.’’
As part of it’s state election priorities, RAA is also seeking other transport network upgrades in metropolitan Adelaide and regional SA.
“We believe continued investment in the network is a key to the state’s recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 and critical to achieving the National Road Safety Strategy vision for zero lives lost on our roads by 2050,’’ Mr Mountain said.