$160 Million O-Bahn Tunnel Project Prepares for Opening With New Digital Bus Stops

Almost 30 digital bus stops were proposed in preparation for South Australia's $160 million O-Bahn City Access Project tunnel.

SA Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan announced digital bus stops displaying real-time arrivals were to be installed at 27 locations on Grenfell and Currie streets, along with signs providing more detailed information about public transport routes and popular destinations such as the Central Market.

Bus stop locations, parking and loading zones in Grenfell and Currie streets will be enhanced to make it easier for bus passengers to access services, while also improving the flow of traffic for other road users.

The $2.5 million package of improvements is being rolled out to coincide with the completion of the O-Bahn City Access Project at the end of this year, when O-Bahn buses will begin using the tunnel between Hackney Road and Grenfell Street.

"Digital bus stops will be a great addition to city streets, upgrading the experience for passengers and improving visual amenity," Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese said.

"Digital bus stops also support Council’s Smart City Plan and the many initiatives we are rolling out through the city, such as smart parking and smart lighting."Hundreds of suburban bus stops are also scheduled for replacement following the tunnel opening, as well as new digital signage at Paradise and Tea Tree Plaza interchanges providing real-time information about services.

Stretching 670 metres, the O-Bahn City Access Project's new tunnel will link priority bus lanes on Hackney Road and Grenfell Street and will aim to improve travel times and reliability for Adelaide’s busiest public transport network, which is used by more than 31,000 people each weekday.

It is also expected to improve travel times and reliability for more than 79,000 road users who use this part of the Inner Ring Route at the intersection of Hackney and Botanic roads.

Approximately 450 South Australian jobs are being supported over the life of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, weather permitting.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken with passengers with accessibility needs and city businesses and residents will receive further information ahead of the changes.