From today, cyclists and pedestrians will be able to bypass some of Adelaide’s busiest intersections as elevated paths along the Mike Turtur Bikeway open to the public for the first time.
While on the Bikeway the shared use paths will allow walkers, runners and riders to seamlessly travel above South, Marion, Cross and Morphett Roads which follows the tramline between the city and Glenelg.
The nearly 1.4-kilometre-long elevated section will improve safety and efficiency for more than 1000 users of the Bikeway who join the more than 40,000 tram commuters travelling along this corridor each week.
Eighty prefabricated deck panels have been used to form the paths alongside new lighting, anti-throw screens, handrail and bridge barriers also installed to further enhance safety.
The completion of the final connections over Marion Road and Cross Road, and Morphett Road, follows the opening of the South Road section of bikeway.
Opening the final sections marks a major milestone for the $870 million Tram Grade Separation Projects.
Funded by equal commitments of $435 million by the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments, these works have removed level crossings and delivered new overpasses at Plympton and Morphettville, easing traffic congestion and significantly improving road safety across the network.
The South Road tram overpass at Glandore was also rebuilt to accommodate the $15.4 billion River Torrens to Darlington Project open motorway.
Before the level crossings were removed, boom gates were down during peak hours for up to 20 minutes per hour, affecting approximately 50,000 vehicles each day at Marion Road and Cross Road, and approximately 25,600 per day at Morphett Road.
In a further boost for pedestrian safety, a new pedestrian-actuated crossing is being installed on Morphett Road, between the new overpass and Maxwell Terrace, as part of the projects.
The push button crossing will improve access to the new community spaces and local businesses, enhancing local connectivity.
This two-stage crossing has been designed to limit red-light time in each direction and will be coordinated with the traffic signal operation at the Morphett Road and Anzac Highway intersection to optimise traffic flow.
These works build on the Australian and South Australian Governments’ commitment to improving active travel options.
Initiatives include:
- the State Bicycle Fund, which supports the construction of local infrastructure such as bike lanes and crossings
- Way2Go – a statewide program to improve road safety around school precincts through education, planning and targeted projects
- The Australian Government’s Active Transport Fund, which invests $50 million per year to improve road safety, help reduce transport emissions, and support active and liveable communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The Albanese Government, partnering with the Malinauskas Government, is pleased to have funded these new elevated paths, which make the already much-loved Mike Turtur Bikeway safer and easier to use.
“By providing an alternative for cyclists and pedestrians away from these busy road intersections, we are giving active transport commuters in Adelaide’s southwest suburbs a high-quality and safe connection they can rely on every day.”
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs:
“We are excited to welcome the community back to the new and improved Mike Turtur Bikeway and see wheels spinning across all three elevated paths for the first time.
“Reconnecting this vital active transport corridor over the new tram overpasses means safer, more reliable journeys for cyclists and pedestrians and improved road safety for everyone.
“We know around one in three South Australians ride a bike each year.
“By providing safe, attractive cycling routes, we hope to encourage more people to get on their bikes.
“With smoother connections to nearby streets, public transport and local attractions, it’s now easier than ever for the community to hop on the bikeway and get where they need to go.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Boothby Louise Miller Frost:
“It’s great news for Boothby locals – the new path over South Road means cyclists and walkers can get across safely without waiting on traffic.
“I know how many people use the Mike Turtur every day to get to work, school or just out and about, so it’s fantastic to see this piece finally open.
“It’s part of the Albanese Government’s investment in active transport infrastructure here in Boothby. Backing safer ways to walk and ride.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas:
“The Mike Turtur Bikeway is more than a cycling path. These upgrades will help people travel safer, stay active and remain connected across Adelaide for years to come.
“Every improvement that helps people get home safely is a worthwhile investment, and these upgrades will deliver lasting benefits for the Adelaide community.
“This project is a great example of governments working together to deliver infrastructure that improves everyday life. The new elevated bikeway connections are making journeys safer, reducing delays and creating a more connected and accessible Adelaide for everyone.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Badcoe Jayne Stinson:
“When you’re riding your bike, safety is paramount.
“That’s why so many local cyclists are thrilled they no longer have to get across three busy tram crossings.
“And the pathway’s not just for cyclists. If you use a pram or have a toddler learning to ride a bike – like me – if you’re in a wheelchair, if you use a scooter, or you’re a pedestrian or jogger, this infrastructure will make your journeys faster and safer.
“I want to thank fellow locals for your patience. You can be sure this was worth the wait.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Morphett Toby Priest:
“I’m delighted to see the Morphett Road overpass section of the Mike Turtur Bikeway completed and open.
“This is an important investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, making it easier and safer for people to get active and enjoy our local community.
“Surrounded by picturesque landscaping, the upgraded connection helps link the city through to Glenelg, providing a route for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Investments like this give more people the opportunity to leave the car at home, get active and enjoy one of Adelaide’s great cycling and walking corridors.”
