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Frequently Asked Questions

Project Background  

The State Government is investing in a stronger public transport network and is committed to delivering increased connectivity, faster and more reliable travel options and increased use of public transport. The South Australian Government has committed $43.5 million to deliver approximately 500 additional parking spaces at the Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n’ Ride through the construction of a new facility.

The new four level facility (ground floor plus three upper floors) will connect to and expand the existing Park ‘n’ Ride, increasing the number of parking spaces from 700 to approximately 1,200.

The upgrade aims to meet demand for Park ‘n’ Ride commuters and to increase public transport usage in the north-eastern suburbs.

Browse the range of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) relating to the Tea Tree Plaza Park 'n' Ride project.

The FAQ's will be updated regularly to answer common questions from the community and stakeholders.

What upgrades will the project deliver?

The project will deliver:

  • around 500 additional parking spaces for commuter parking;
  • an upgraded entry and exit point to access both Park ‘n’ Ride facilities;
  • access between the facilities via a new ramp and new undercover walkway;
  • an upgraded Park ‘n’ Ride & Busway Access Road with an additional exit lane to Smart Road;
  • an upgraded and resurfaced intersection with Smart Road;
  • a new and realigned retaining wall to accommodate for the additional exit lane;
  • an upgraded section of walkway connecting Park ‘n’ Ride users from the facilities to the Interchange to provide Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) accessible access; and
  • newly installed CCTV and improved led lighting;
What will this project deliver for the community?

The project will:

  • improve attractiveness of public transport, by increasing the number of car parking spaces available for public transport passengers;
  • improve access to public transport;
  • improve patronage of bus services; and
  • improve passenger, vehicle and pedestrian accessibility.

The Park ‘n’ Ride & Busway Access Road works will:

  • better accommodate increased volumes of traffic accessing, using, and exiting the expanded Park ‘n’ Ride;
  • enable connection between the existing and new Park ‘n’ Ride facilities; and
  • upgrade some existing features.
What is the timeframe for construction?

Early works, including site mobilisation commenced late 2022, with major construction activities commencing in January 2023. Park ‘n’ Ride & Busway Access Road works (west of the new Park ‘n’ Ride) will be undertaken from 1 August to December 2023, weather permitting.

The new Park ‘n’ Ride will open to the public by mid-2024, weather permitting.

How many levels are to be constructed?

The new Park ‘n’ Ride will comprise four levels (ground floor plus three upper floors).

What will be the new Park 'n' Ride car parking capacity?

The new Park ‘n’ Ride will add approximately 500 parking spaces to commuter parking at Tea Tree Plaza. The existing Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n’ Ride provides 700 parking spaces. The project seeks to increase the total number of commuter parking spaces from 700 to approximately 1,200 to meet demand for commuter parking and increase public transport usage in the north-eastern suburbs.

Where is the new Park 'n' Ride located?

The site is located approximately 100 metres east of the existing Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n’ Ride.

How will users enter and exit the new Park ’n’ Ride?

Access to the new Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n’ Ride will be via the existing Park ‘n’ Ride & Busway Access Road off Smart Road. Vehicles will enter through the existing Park ‘n’ Ride and connect via a new ramp between the facilities, meaning users will have a single entry and exit location via the existing Park ‘n’ Ride entry and exit point.

This entry and exit point will be upgraded to with new boom gates, and the second exit lane will be extended along the full Eastern length of the Park ‘n’ Ride & Busway Access Road – creating a three-lane roadway, and removing the need to merge immediately into one exit lane when leaving the facility.

How many secure bicycle parks are located at the Tea Tree Plaza Interchange?

There is one (1) Bike Cage on the platform at the Tea Tree Plaza Interchange, which allows up to 16 bikes to be securely stored.

How many Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points are available at the existing Park ‘n’ Ride and how many additional EV charging points will be provided at the new Park ‘n’ Ride?

There will be provision for six (6) EV charging stations installed as part of the TTP Park ‘n’ Ride project. Provision for two charging stations will be installed on each floor of the new facility.

Will the new Park ‘n’ Ride include DDA accessible parking?

There will be no DDA accessible parking spaces in the new Park ‘n’ Ride, however seven (7) new DDA accessible parking spaces will be added to the existing Park ‘n’ Ride, creating a total of 22 DDA parking spaces – levels 1, 2 and 3 will contain 5 spaces per level, and level 4 will contain 7. Lift access is available to all levels in each facility.

Will the height of the new Park ‘n’ Ride structure impact sun exposure to nearby buildings?

The new facility is set back from the boundary to reduce the overlooking and shadowing impact to neighbouring residents and business as much as possible. Perforated metal panels will be used to assist in addressing concerns with overlooking, light spill and assist in managing noise.

Will vegetation be impacted?

The project provides the opportunity to improve the existing amenity through the provision of new landscaping.

The landscape design and final species palette will complement the local biodiversity with a careful selection of trees suitable to the area and self-sustaining to avoid the need for ongoing irrigation or regular replanting.

The landscaping for the project includes more than 60 trees, including 6 different species. Landscaping works will commence toward the end of the project.

Vegetation removal is required to accommodate the works and has been minimised where possible.

Approvals for vegetation removal were sought, and offsets made (through the new trees that will be planted on site, and through additional planting both within and outside the City of Tea Tree Gully Council area), in accordance with relevant legislative processes.

Semi mature trees will be included within the landscaping. Soft landscaping elements will include the reuse of tree trunks salvaged from the site to promote biodiversity, provide informal seating and enhance the amenity of the landscaped areas.

Refer to Project Page for link to Landscaping Fact Sheet available on the project webpage for further information.

How will construction impacts be managed?

Construction noise and vibration on a major infrastructure project cannot be eliminated altogether, however works can be managed to minimise disturbance.

We will continue to use a range of measures to mitigate noise and vibration impacts including:

  • provision of advance notice of works to nearby stakeholders;
  • where possible, scheduling intrusive works for least impact to nearby residents and businesses;
  • monitoring noise levels prior to, and during construction;
  • enclosing stationary equipment (such as generators) to reduce noise;
  • regularly testing equipment to ensure it is operating at a high standard; and
  • where possible, using small or non-vibratory equipment.

We are measuring vibration levels throughout the project to ensure compliance levels that are set by the Environment Protection Authority are adhered to. It is important to note that experiencing vibrations does not mean the structural damage will occur to properties.

What are the construction hours during the delivery of this project?

Standard work hours across the project are 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

If there is a need for Sunday or night works, we will provide advance notice.

Some noise disturbance can be expected at times while these works are completed, however the work will be managed to minimise disturbance to nearby residents and businesses as much as practically possible.

For more information, refer to the Construction Impacts Fact Sheet available on the project webpage.

What traffic management measures will be in place throughout construction?

Access to properties will be maintained throughout the works wherever possible, with advance notice provided if there is a need to temporarily restrict driveway access.

To safely facilitate these works, there will be some speed and lane restrictions in place throughout the project. Traffic controllers, placement of water barriers and bollards, wayfinding and temporary detour signage will be in place when required.

Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time and take extra care when workers are on site. Observe speed limits, lane restrictions and traffic controllers when travelling through the area.

Will pedestrian access be impacted during project works?

Accessible pedestrian access remain available throughout all works.

Some temporary pedestrian detours will be in place at times, around the work site and pedestrians are advised to follow directional signage.

DDA accessible spaces remain available throughout the delivery of the project.

Will bus access to the Tea Tree Plaza interchange be impacted for O’Bahn users?

Works on the Park ‘n’ Ride & Busway Access Road will temporarily impact bus access to the Interchange from Smart Road, until December 2023.

For further information regarding temporary bus detours, impacts to some bus stops and timetables, please visit http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au.

Is it going to be a 24/7 carpark?

The new Park ‘n’ Ride will align with the operating hours of the existing facility, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What do I need to know to use the Park ‘n’ Ride?

Parking is discounted to $2 for all metroCARD users (including Seniors). Parking is $10 if you don’t use public transport or haven’t validated your metroCARD in the last two hours.

  • Before you exit the Park ‘n’ Ride, make sure you have enough money stored on your metroCARD for the parking fee.
  • Use the recharge machines near the lift on the ground floor of the car park to top it up.
  • At the end of your parking time, scan your metroCARD at the exit gate. The fee will be taken off your travel credit.
  • You need to have validated your metroCARD on a bus, train or tram within the previous two hours to receive discounted parking. This includes people using a Seniors Card (though their travel is free).

Adelaide metroCARD machines are located near the lift on the ground floor of the existing Park ‘n’ Ride and on the Tea Tree Plaza Interchange.

Why does Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n’ Ride have no free parking?

Though closely located to a major commercial precinct, the Park ‘n’ Ride aims to meet demand for Park ‘n’ Ride commuters and to increase public transport usage in the north-eastern suburbs.

Entry, exit, payment methods, and pricing for the new Park ‘n’ Ride will be the same as the existing Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n’ Ride.

Parking is discounted to $2 for all metroCARD users. Parking is $10 if you don’t use public transport or haven’t validated your metroCARD in the last two hours.

Public transport is free for Seniors but do I still need to pay for parking?

Yes. Seniors are required to pay the same fee for use of the Park ‘n Ride as other commuters, $2 for metroCARD users. Parking is $10 if you don’t use public transport or haven’t validated your metroCARD in the last two hours.

Though bus travel is free for Seniors, all Seniors must still validate their Seniors Metro Card when boarding public transport. Validating your card is a step towards qualifying for the discounted parking fee, and Adelaide Metro collect the patronage data needed for the public transport services.

Seniors must ensure funds are available on their Metro card to pay the Park ‘n’ Ride fee, and that they have a metroCARD validated within two hours of exiting to qualify for the $2 parking rate.

Even though public transport travel is free, why do I still need to validate my Seniors Card when boarding the bus, train or tram?

Validating your Seniors metroCARD on buses, trains and trams is a requirement for travel, and is necessary to receive the discounted Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n’ Ride parking fee when you have travelled within two hours of exiting. You will not be charged for the bus, train or tram fare.

Do I need to add credit to my Seniors Card?

From 1 July 2022, travel on Adelaide Metro public transport services is free all the time for South Australian Seniors Card holders.

You will only need to have credit on your Seniors Cards if you would like to access discounted parking at the Tea Tree Plaza Park ‘n‘ Ride.

Please ensure you validate your South Australian Seniors Card on board an Adelaide Metro service before exiting the Park ‘n’ Ride, and ensure enough funds are stored on your South Australian Seniors Card for the parking fee.

Further information is available on the Adelaide Metro website.

If you would like further information about Seniors Cards, including how to apply for one, visit www.seniorscard.sa.gov.au

Who can I contact for more information?

You can subscribe to receive project updates and notifications by email by visiting the project webpage. For more information or to speak to a member of the team, please:

Call 1300 288 596

Email dit.engagement@sa.gov.au

Visit the project webpage www.dit.sa.gov.au/ttppnr

For all public transport queries please visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au