ISSUE 1 AUGUST 2008

bakewell underpass & tram awards The Victoria Square to City West Tramline Extension and Bakewell Underpass projects have both been presented with prestigious awards for excellence in design, construction and execution.

The tram extension won the renowned South Australian Institute of Architect’s “ Prize” while the Bakewell Underpass recently claimed a Civil Contractor Federation “Earth Award”. Together the projects have made it easier for people to move around, whether by using the free tram service within the CBD or accessing the city from the western

> The first train crosses the completed expressway rail bridge as finishing touches are applied to the new road bridge. suburbs through the Bakewell Underpass. The Adelaide Prize was awarded at a gala dinner at the Wine Centre on Friday , 13 June where the judges opening a new era declared the tramline extension “an outstanding project of enormous public significance for Adelaide.” The project, extending the line from Victoria Square in the po rt to City West, used about 4500 cubic metres of concrete and 6.4 kilometres of power cable.

The dual opening bridges – one of the most innovative and exciting More than 100 people worked on site during major transport projects in recent times – are on the verge of opening a new era in the Port. construction which was completed in just six months. One of the world-class structures is already in operation, with the new rail bridge carrying its first freight > continued page 6 train early in June this year. The 300-metre long Penrice stone train from the Barossa crossed the new

bridge structure under the watchful gaze of many excited members of the project team, including Project > The award-winning Bakewell Underpass in action. Director David Bartlett. “Never before undertaken in , the construction of a single leaf dual-gauge opening rail bridge of this size and complexity is a remarkable achievement,” he said.

“That train rolling over the bridge was the culmination of several years of hard work and I congratulate our team as well as the builder Abigroup and Australian Rail Track Corporation for their considerable efforts. “The completion of the rail bridge heralds a new chapter in rail efficiency for the State, particularly when coupled with the upgraded LeFevre Peninsula Transport Corridor.” The benefits of the Port River Expressway bridges are substantial. The overall project is an impressive engineering feat that services road, rail and marine and the bridges will open opportunities for the State to thrive and prosper into the future through a revitalised . They will take heavy vehicle traffic away from the Port Adelaide centre and provide a direct and fast link for exporters to the Port. In addition, the project will complement the and upgraded when completed. The opening regime for the bridges will give priority to road and rail traffic during weekdays, while marine craft will be given greater access on weekends and public holidays. The road bridge is open to traffic from Sunday, 3 August 2008. •

www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au august 2008 1 by Hook contents

Welcome to the first edition of New Connections. As someone living in an area adjacent one of Adelaide’s major transport infrastructure projects, you’ll be well aware that a new strategic link is being created to provide you with a sustainable transport environment. What you may not be as familiar with is that right across Adelaide and into its regional fringes, teams of people are working hard on a range of major projects that, while very different when considered in isolation, are strategically linked and serve a fundamental common purpose. Together with the record investment in transport outlined in the recent State Budget, they will form our new connections and are delivering our transport future now. New Connections will arrive in your letterbox on a quarterly basis. It will provide you with information that complements the regular communication you receive from your project team. Equally importantly, it will provide you with an intimate understanding of where each project fits into the bigger picture for Adelaide and . This publication will see you better informed about what’s happening in your neighbourhood and how strategic infrastructure plan Adelaide’s transport future is taking shape around it. > Develop and deepen Outer Harbor and substantially I look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you. improve infrastructure at the Port of Adelaide. Rod Hook > Improve the north-south corridor. Executive Director > Develop and maintain regional freight networks. Office of Major Projects & Infrastructure > Increase use of .

Together these major undertakings address Adelaide’s from vision to reality transport infrastructure needs in a carefully planned manner. Mutually beneficial projects directly advantage communities right across the metropolitan area and its The plan to modernise Adelaide’s transport Complementing these two projects is the vast neighbouring regions. network, and make sure it delivers on the needs Northern Expressway which, in addition to creating of a modern capital city, is rapidly taking shape. another integral part of the corridor, will provide the The plan is all about getting people where they need to go as efficiently and effectively as possible. Work is underway to provide a dedicated north-south missing link in South Australia’s road freight network. A key element is the rejuvenation of public transport, transit corridor, to reinforce road freight routes and give Connecting with a duplicated Sturt Highway to the progressively delivered over the next decade. the city fast, frequent and efficient public transport. north, the Northern Expressway is a 23 kilometre These goals are largely being achieved through the link between Gawler and that An extension of the very successful will deliver enormous amounts of freight to and from establishment of a series of strategic links created by tramline to provide a coast to coast major projects underway at a range of locations right the Port of Adelaide through its southern link with across the city. the Port River Expressway. service between Glenelg and Semaphore According to Major Projects boss Rod Hook, Stages two and three of the Port River Expressway via the Port and a fully re-sleepered rail these are exciting times. – opening road and rail bridges – will open to traffic network with five electrified lines are early this month, taking heavy vehicles en route “We’re spending more in our capital investment program the final pieces of the puzzle. and in our transport-related investment program than to Outer Harbor away from downtown historic has been spent for decades in this State,” he said. Port Adelaide. Rod Hook concludes this is indeed a bold and evolving plan that will make sure Adelaide realises its undoubted The South Road/ANZAC Highway Underpass Northern Expressway Project Director Luigi Rossi, potential to be nationally and internationally recognised and South Road Tram Overpass projects are the first says the benefits of the strategic approach to major as a great place to live and work. step in facilitating free-flow traffic on Adelaide’s major projects are there for many people and aren’t north-south corridor. limited to transportation. “Often the focus is on individual projects but there “When we achieve this free-flow movement there “These projects, while having a freight focus, are is a master plan here; there is a broader approach will be huge benefits for all forms of transport, designed to maximise the opportunity for commuter that’s about better links for motorists and reducing especially freight. You can imagine not having to trips. We’re finding that the northern region is an costs for South Australia’s exporters and therefore stop at every set of traffic lights as freight vehicles area of growth and there’s significant employment improving our competitiveness and efficiency in the do now,” said Project Director Paul Gelston. opportunities happening,” he said. longer term,” he said. •

2 august 2008 www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au what’s next? > Road works on the northern side of ANZAC Highway.

> Contract Engineer Darren Ball watches the future alignment of South Road under Anzac Highway rapidly taking shape. > Installation of new drainage services, traffic signals and street lighting.

> Northern bridge deck construction and the installation half way home on south road of more large bridge beams. > Completion of the southern underpass ramp excavation. The massive task of taking South Road under ANZAC Highway to improve > Works to connect the southern section of the one of Adelaide’s busiest intersections has reached the half way mark. underpass to South Road near Forest Street. > Begin excavation of the northern underpass ramp. Work crews have been on site for just over a year The project is on target to meet its scheduled and, with traffic expected to be flowing through completion time frame of late 2009, thanks largely to the completed underpass around this time next the efforts of contractor Thiess-Leed and its workforce, fast facts year, it’s a case of so far so good for the which has managed to avoid losing any time on site > 18000 cubic metres of materials were excavated $118 million project. since beginning construction. to create the underpass by the end of May 2008. Traffic began flowing on the southern half of the Traffic continues to flow effectively through the > 60 workers on average are on site every day, Monday to Saturday. new ANZAC Highway bridge deck in early July, intersection with the construction team maintaining taking vehicles over what will soon be transformed two lanes in each direction on South Road during > 6750 tonnes of asphalt were laid by the end of June 2008. into the South Road underpass. the peak periods. The major road works are occurring > 684 soil nails were used for the southern half of the to the west of South Road with the excavation of the underpass, with another 1342 soil nails still to be “The bridge is being built in two halves with this half underpass to minimise the effect on traffic. installed before completion. supported by the eleven 50 tonne beams we lifted into place in April,” Project Director Paul Gelston said. The Royal Automobile Association’s General Manager > There has been no lost time injuries on the job – 359 days injury free by 19 June 2008. of Public Affairs, Sharon Hanlon acknowledges the “We now have the ability to take three lanes of traffic enormous logistical effort required to keep traffic into the city and bring two towards Glenelg. That has > Project Director Paul Gelston and Site Manager Chris Plumb flowing through this intersection during construction. allowed us to start construction of the northern half study traffic movements. of the bridge deck, with another nine 60 tonne beams “Some drivers are using alternative routes to avoid any to be installed later in the year.” delays, however the decision to keep the intersection operating during construction has meant that nearby To reach the half way point, work crews have excavated roads have not had to carry the complete burden around 18000 cubic metres of material from the site of all the traffic from this intersection,” she said. and laid some 6750 tonnes of asphalt. Drivers can now see the underpass beginning to take shape as they “This project is significant as the first step in achieving proceed through the intersection. a free-flowing north-south corridor.” •

community moves overpass forward Comprehensive feedback from the community will be fed into the final design process for the Glenelg Tram Overpass on South Road. This overpass will be built south of the new road underpass and make sure regular tram movements won’t disturb the non-stop traffic under ANZAC highway when it’s completed. Project Director Paul Gelston said engaging with the community had given the design team valuable feedback. what’s happened “We are determined to build a tram overpass that serves the needs of the public well, so we appreciate the efforts made by locals to give us robust feedback on the first concept,” he said. > Initial investigations including vegetation, engineering, geotechnical, patronage and traffic surveys. During consultation, the community asked that the new structure be as light and appealing as possible, > Project planning study and development in keeping with the character of the local area and that the privacy of surrounding residents’ homes of preliminary concept. would be protected by throw screens and landscaping. > Extensive community engagement. The community has asked for a ‘green feel’ with existing gumtrees kept when possible and native plantings to soften the look of the new structure. In addition, the community is looking for urban what’s next? design and public art to be used in a way that creates interest while deterring vandalism and graffiti. > Calling of contract for design and construction.

The overwhelming desire is for an accessible, safe, secure, well-maintained and user-friendly platform and > Further opportunity for public comment. the ability for pedestrians and cyclists to cross over South Road via the overpass. Good public transport connections, including only short walks between the tram and bus stops, were a key consideration. fast facts In addition, the community asked that changes to > Pedestrian access via lifts and stairs to local traffic arrangements do not increase non-local the elevated platform and across South Road. traffic or restrict access to nearby properties > Pedestrian area underneath the bridge. or compromise pedestrian safety, and indicated > Throw screens and safety barriers a preference for a small formal parking area rather on both sides of the overpass. than a larger one. Completion of community feedback means that the design team can take this information > ‘Greening of South Road’ theme and increased landscaping. away to prepare the final designs for approvals through various government processes. • > Platform seating and shelter.

www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au august 2008 3 what’s happened > An extensive process of engagement with the community and key stakeholders has ensured the project has considered all social, environmental and economic issues raised.

> Work has been continuing on the upgrade of Port Wakefield Road in preparation for > Project Director Luigi Rossi (right) discusses starting construction with contractors Bruce Rowel and Ian Tarbottom. the new expressway.

> Start of construction. what’s next? no rthern expressway > A site office for more than 100 staff constructed on Curtis Road. gets the green light > The project team will begin moving onto the site soon. > Pre-construction activities will start at a number Following a comprehensive and exhaustive planning stage, the $564 million Northern of points along the expressway route, including Expressway is rolling out along its dedicated route with construction beginning in July. at key interchanges. The project reached a significant milestone recently, with the awarding of a ‘Design and Construct’ > The Fulton Hogan York Joint Venture has started a detailed expressway design. contract to the Fulton Hogan York Civil Joint Venture.

> The project team are continuing negotiations With the construction contract now locked in, there are some big bonuses in the final package. with property owners. There will now be a cycle and pedestrian shared-use pathway running alongside the expressway. This will be an additional resource for the local community to make safe and sustainable connections for fitness, fast facts recreation, commuting and to enjoy the landscaping that will be a large part of the completed expressway. > 23 kilometre expressway standard road linking A high-speed fly-over interchange will now direct Port Wakefield Road traffic over the expressway entry, the with Port Wakefield Road allowing a non-stop journey for both Northern Expressway and Port Wakefield Road travellers (includes an upgrade of Port Wakefield Road to meet predicted traffic increases). to seamlessly enter and exit the new road.

> 17 bridges will be built. Furthermore, additional ramps have been added to the final design at key interchanges along the route, increasing access to the expressway for north and city-bound traffic, and improving flexibility > Speed limit of 110km/hr. for the local community and for industry to use as part of their daily business. > A joint initiative of the Australian and South Australian Governments. Importantly, the contract will deliver these major additions beyond the original plan at no extra cost and represents greater value for money. creating an SA skills bank Project Director Luigi Rossi said the fly-over interchange at Port Wakefield Road and a new interchange at Penfield will keep both local and arterial traffic flowing smoothly. Working on the $564 million Northern Expressway will be a great learning opportunity for new “We’re always trying to improve the design and adding alternative travel options, like the new bike and graduates and younger engineers from South walking shared-use path, shows that innovation and sustainability are a top priority,” said Mr Rossi. Australian companies delivering the project. “It’s exciting to have started construction, knowing that in just a couple of years time people Managing Director of York Civil, Mr Dominic Vieceli, will be using the expressway to make their daily travel faster and easier.” • represents one of the successful joint venture companies and said the project is the largest single contract York Civil has undertaken. “We believe this will become a signature project for our company and will help us to grow our business Indigenous and youth employment a priority through working on joint ventures with other top Local young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are set to gain considerable companies,” he said. skills and experience from being part of the Northern Expressway construction team. “It provides good opportunities for locally based While the economic value of large projects such as the Northern Expressway to a region is well recognised, engineers to work on a high-profile project and for their the consequent social value is sometimes overlooked. Project Director Luigi Rossi aims to leave a legacy of younger workers to experience the high end of planning skills development and employment in the region and maximise benefits for the local community, particularly and construction. during the construction phase. “This project shows the State Government can get major “We have embedded in the terms of the contract a target for 10% of the total workforce to be youth projects up and running in a very short time frame. It will and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, with priority for residents of the northern suburbs,” he said. be a huge boost for the northern community and provide great opportunities for people and businesses in that area. “We see this as part of our obligation to the community to help improve skills, employment and prosperity, as well as provide a fast and efficient expressway.” “This road corridor is extremely important for South Australia as it will enhance the freight route An Employment Working Group has been formed to work collaboratively with project contractor, to and industry in the north of the State. the Fulton Hogan York Joint Venture. Members are proposing a range of options, including positive support and funding to achieve and, when possible, exceed the employment target. “As a civil company we see fantastic opportunities in South Australia for growth. The quality of projects All opportunities will be taken to promote civil construction in the district. This means working with local coming from government agencies like DTEI, SA Water schools, TAFE and universities as well as providing work experience and opportunities for site visits and Flinders Ports, all point to exciting times ahead by students and interest groups. • for our State.” •

4 august 2008 www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au following the green brick road

Taking a sustainable approach is a big part of modern road construction. It’s not just about making travel efficient but also looking at ways to reuse and recycle materials and make the transport corridor more attractive. With this in mind and in partnership with Greening Australia, the Northern Expressway project team is finding ways to provide employment and volunteering opportunities in activities like seed collection and propagation, establishing a seed orchard and landscaping. Greening Australia has established a register of people looking to maintain a voluntary commitment to local conservation issues and this will continue during construction. Participation in seed collection workshops has already exceeded expectations, with waiting lists of people keen to take part in future workshops.

With more than one million plantings planned as part of the project’s massive landscaping program, the collection of native seeds will mean that local plants will help the finished expressway to be a ‘green brick’ road. •

march – may 2008 may – june 2008 july 2008 december 2010 Tender assessment. Contract awarded for the Construction begins on Project completed. timeline Northern Expressway. the Northern Expressway. dual-use connector a state first Finding better ways to transport freight from the north of the State to Adelaide’s what’s happened increasingly busy port is at the heart of a planning study currently underway > Feedback sought on design, based on traffic needs and engineering. into a new route that combines road and rail transport in the same corridor. > Desktop research on similar projects.

Earlier this year the State Government announced a planning study for a new 17 kilometre road > Held drop-in forums at Globe Derby Park and rail freight corridor in Adelaide’s north. This planned dual-purpose transport project would be and St Kilda. a first for South Australia. > Shopping centre displays at Hollywood Plaza Project Director Luigi Rossi says the potential benefits of a Northern Connector are numerous. and Virginia. “Delivering a more direct rail and freight link would take trucks and long freight trains away from Salisbury > Meeting and planning with emergency services experts. and the surrounding areas. It would improve road safety while reducing traffic noise and congestion,” he said. > Undertaken field surveys to look at geography, “A more direct link for road and rail freight to Port Adelaide makes great sense and would help improve soil types, heritage, flora and fauna. the prosperity of our State.” The planning study is in its early stage and the local community will have many opportunities to provide input. what’s next? “We understand people want to know the process and the steps being taken towards any formal proposal > Seek further feedback from the local community on the Northern Connector,” he said. and businesses. > Undertake a full economic analysis. “In the early planning stage, people should not assume that any property is directly affected.” > Establish environmental processes, including Mr Rossi said identifying a 100 metre wide corridor is part of the planning study with any potential an environmental impact statement. site subject to change once feedback is received from the local community and proper consideration > Outline an approach for any future design of technical issues is undertaken. and construct.

He encouraged locals to contact the project team with any feedback or if they wanted to know more > Ongoing field surveys. about the planning study. • fast facts – planning study > The planning study area will investigate a 17 kilometre corridor from north of the Brown Road/Port Wakefield Road intersection through to the connection of the Port River Expressway and South Road.

> It includes a section of approximately 1 kilometre width on the western side of Port Wakefield Road, from Brown Road to Jobson Road at Bolivar.

> It will include an economic analysis and identify relevant environmental issues and outline an approach for any future design and construction.

www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au august 2008 5 construction to begin on the new rapid bay jetty

The Rapid Bay Jetty closed on Friday 1 August, when construction on the new jetty began. It is anticipated the new $3.9 million jetty will be completed by the end of 2008, weather permitting. what’s happened The existing jetty is unstable and is being closed to ensure public safety during construction, particularly during the operation of heavy plant and equipment in the area. > Duplication of Sturt Highway between Daveyston and Greenock. Spokeswoman for the Friends of Rapid Bay, Glenice Galbraith says the move comes with the support of her organisation. > Duplication work commenced between Gawler and Daveyston. "It is unfortunate but the end justifies the means. It's something that has to happen to get what we want. > Landscaping work started in July 2008 along If it means the jetty will be here by Christmas, then do it," she said. the Daveyston to Greenock section. Also on board is the Scuba Diving Federation of South Australia with spokesman Antony King telling what’s next? New Connections the closure is a worthwhile step to have the greatly anticipated new facility up and running. "The new jetty will be much easier and safer anyway, > Construction of approach to the new bridge that's the price local divers are prepared to pay." over .

> Pavement work between Gawler and Daveyston, The new Rapid Bay Jetty will be a concrete and steel structure including construction of the duplicated bridge to reduce the likelihood of high costs typically associated over Main North Road. with maintaining wooden jetties. It will feature ample space for fishers and a convenient launching platform for divers, drawn to Rapid Bay by the rich diversity of flora and fauna supported by the existing jetty, including sturt highway the leafy sea dragon. Signs will be erected on the existing makes inroads jetty and on the roads approaching it advising of its closure. • With one section complete and the remainder well underway, progress on the $159 million Sturt Highway Upgrade continues at a rapid rate. mining infrastructure growth The highway has been duplicated between Martins Hill Road, Daveyston and Bartels Road, The impending mining boom is expected Other activites planned Greenock, including the Hempel Road Bridge, to result in more than 30 new mines opening at Port Bonython: and is open to traffic. in South Australia over coming decades. > Port Bonython Fuels plans to develop diesel Landscaping work started this month to plant These mines will need suitable infrastructure to and petrol refineries almost one hectare of native vegetation along provide access to their clients around the world. this completed section. The Port Bonython peninsula, together with Whyalla, > BHP Billiton is planning to develop a desalination plant is strategically positioned to deliver this infrastructure. > The Clean Seas group and the Whyalla City Council are developing a new harbour to support the Yellow With its access to deep water for bulk minerals Tail Kingfish aquaculture industry in Fitzgerald Bay. exports, Port Bonython isn’t far from the interstate rail line and is close to the well serviced town However, the majority of the peninsula will of Whyalla. be retained in its pristine state to be used for tourism and as a recreational area for The State Government has identified a large the Whyalla community and visitors alike. • parcel of land on the peninsula that can be strategically developed while protecting the local environment for the community to enjoy.

Project Director Robert Jenkins has received > Artist’s impression of the new Gawler interchange. numerous expressions of interest for a deep Duplication works are currently underway on the water bulk commodities facility on the peninsula. highway between Gawler and Daveyston and are “Local, national and international consortia responded scheduled for completion by December 2009. and a short list of companies will be chosen to Traffic at Gawler recently shifted to the new develop detailed proposals for the site,” he said. southern carriageway in order to duplicate the bridge over Main North Road. The interchange is scheduled for completion in early 2009. bakewell underpass & tram awards When recognising the Bakewell Underpass, the judging Project Director Lou George can see the > continued from page 1 panel agreed the project was successfully completed improvements to one of the State’s key freight through innovation in design and construction and Since it opened in October last year, hundreds of routes taking shape. extensive consultation with a magnitude of stakeholders. thousands of people have used the new services, “A lot of work has gone into construction and with patronage along the length of the tram network The underpass features a dedicated bus and taxi lane, continued engagement with the community,” (Glenelg to City West) up more than 15 per cent. much to the delight of General Manager, he said. Neil Smith. Just one week later, the $41 million Bakewell Underpass “We can see real progress along the length was recognised at the Civil Contractor Federation “Bakewell Underpass has been the best thing that has of the project.” “Earth Awards” held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. happened to public transport in the western suburbs in my time in Adelaide,” he said. The Sturt Highway Upgrade is a federally funded The project, which replaced the 80 year old undertaking to improve transport efficiency and Bakewell Bridge with an underpass, features “The dedicated has allowed us to cut up to five safety between Adelaide and the Riverland. • dramatically improved access for road and minutes off a journey from Henley Beach into the city, rail traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. it is a wonderful advance for all concerned.” •

6 august 2008 www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au what’s happened > Establishment of a project team.

> Survey work, geo-technical and utility service investigations.

> Orders placed for concrete sleepers.

> Environmental planning.

> The Belair line will be the first in Adelaide to benefit from the Rail Revitalisation program. > Call for expressions of interest from market for first major works package occurred in July 2008. what’s next? rail revitalisation > Continued planning and design work, and begin community engagement.

> Re-sleepering of the Belair line expected belair line renewal to start late 2008/2009.

Rail revitalisation – it sounds The planning stage of the Belair rail revitalisation fast facts process will continue until construction begins on the Ultimately Rail Revitalisation will transform the entire simple enough but as those in renewal of the railway line between Goodwood and metropolitan passenger rail network. It involves: charge of transforming Adelaide’s Belair – expected to be either late 2008 or early 2009. > concrete re-sleepering of the metropolitan rail network will attest, the reality The first stage of the track upgrade is due for passenger rail network completion in mid 2009. The result will be more efficient is an altogether different story. > electrification of the Noarlunga (including Tonsley), rail services, along with significant economic benefits. Outer Harbor (including Grange) and Gawler lines

After successfully delivering the award-winning Work will involve rebuilding the track with new > gauge standardisation of the metropolitan Bakewell Underpass project earlier this year, long-life concrete gauge convertible sleepers passenger rail network Tim Warren has been handed the task of conducting – allowing the track to be converted from broad > interchange, station and Park ‘n’ Ride the largest overhaul of Adelaide’s rail infrastructure to standard gauge at a later date. Together with infrastructure upgrades. in more than half a century. improvements to drainage, the work will provide He will be joined in the hot seat by joint a comfortable, reliable service well into the future. Project Director Charles Irving. The Belair line is an important part of the train network “Revitalisation of the rail network isn’t just about and the government is committed to its continued use. other elements of the public ordering a batch of new sleepers, ripping up Electrification of the Belair line is not proposed at this transport blueprint include: the old ones and away you go. There are a host time, as it requires further engineering and operational of factors to consider,” Mr Warren said. analysis, due to two tunnels and the close proximity > construction of new light rail links to of the interstate (freight) rail line. West Lakes, Semaphore and Port Adelaide “It’s an extremely large and complex project requiring a significant amount of detailed planning,” The hills freight line is the subject of a $3 million > conversion of 58 existing diesel study announced by the Australian Government Mr Irving added. rail cars to electric and a decision about electrifying the Belair line “Right now we’re working on strategies to minimise won’t be made until after this study is completed. > new electric rail cars, Flexity Classic trams the disruption to commuters and residents by planning and dual-voltage trams for alternative services and by carefully staging Work on the Belair line will not have any impact the construction work. on the Australian Government’s freight line. > introduction of a new integrated “We’ve been doing detailed survey work and geo-tech Tim Warren concludes, “with a project of this ticketing system magnitude some disruption to regular services investigations to determine the type of soil beneath the > new buses to improve services rail corridor. is unfortunately inevitable, but we have put together a strong team of people to keep the > investigating bus priority options “We’ve also gathered a lot of information about how community informed and make sure we achieve in the city and suburbs water, gas, phone and electricity services co-exist the best possible results.” • with the rail corridor, investigated drainage, > purchase of land to secure a rail corridor to a range of environmental issues, and preliminary rail Aldinga for future extension of Noarlunga line . design work is being done.”

None of this preliminary work would have been > Tram-trains and trams will operate on the Outer Harbor rail corridor by 2014. possible without a carefully established team bringing together expertise in environmental management, civil engineering, rail design, and community engagement. “All of this planning work on the Belair line will be analysed over the next couple of months and from there we’ll be able to engage the community on things like our preferred construction method, and how it will affect services,” Mr Warren notes. “We’ll be asking Belair line commuters and the surrounding community to provide feedback and ask us questions.”

www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au august 2008 7 > The tramline will be extended to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre by 2010 as the next step towards a coast to coast service. coast to coast transport our first new connection blueprint 2008 The first steps in revitalising the public transport network have > Immediate service improvements been taken with the establishment of a project team to extend across train/tram/bus. the city tramline to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre – the first > Order new trams. of Adelaide’s new connections. 2009 > Tramline extension construction begins. Coast to Coast Light Rail – City West to Adelaide This will result in faster, more frequent and efficient > Electrification of Noarlunga Entertainment Centre is a 2.5 kilometre extension rail services, while also providing significant economic line begins. that takes the tramline to the future home of and environmental benefits. > Order new ticketing system. Adelaide’s Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Hospital, Having established the link to the Adelaide > Major upgrades to Belair line. down Port Road to a redeveloped Adelaide Entertainment Centre, dual-voltage trams will continue Entertainment Centre. to Port Adelaide, Semaphore and West Lakes via the 2010 It will be operational by early 2010. existing Outer Harbor/Grange railway lines. > Tramline extension complete. The extension, as detailed in the recent Elsewhere, funds have been allocated for an extra > New trams arrive. State Budget, is part of a $2 billion blueprint 80 buses over the next four years, extra peak > Electrification Grange/Outer for public . train and tram services, the purchase of additional Harbor begins (2010/11). trams and a brand new ticketing system. At its heart is electrification of the Noarlunga, 2012 Outer Harbor/Grange and Gawler railway lines. There is also money to accelerate the refurbishment > New trains arrive. of parts of our existing train fleet with an emphasis The first step in the electrification process > Electrification of Gawler line begins. on addressing the state of windows on many carriages. is to replace wooden sleepers with the concrete variety. This re-sleepering will also take place Furthermore, the purchase of a land corridor between 2013 on the Belair line. (See our story on page 7) Seaford and Aldinga will facilitate a future rail extension > Grange/Outer Harbor lines complete. into the burgeoning southern regions. > West Lakes rail link > Artist’s impression of a tram in Port Adelaide. construction begins. The transport blueprint recognises the long term needs of Adelaide’s public transport system while also addressing the short term challenges it faces. 2014 > Delivery of first tram-train. Future editions of New Connections will keep > Noarlunga line complete. you updated with the progress of these projects and allow you to follow the emergence of a wonderful 2015 new public transport system for Adelaide. • > 3000 Class train electric conversion complete. > Port Adelaide to Semaphore rail link construction begins. > West Lakes rail link complete. 2016 for further information please contact: > Gawler line complete. northern connector 1300 793 458 south road underpass 1800 334 439 2017 sturt highway upgrade 8343 2966 tram overpass 1800 733 954 > Station upgrades including O-Bahn complete. northern expressway 1300 658 621 coast to coast light rail 1800 726 500 port river expressway 1300 130 653 rail revitalisation 1300 782 454 2018 > Port Adelaide to Semaphore www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au rail link complete.

8 august 2008 www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au