Major work is set to commence on the 1km rail spur line into the heart of Port Adelaide, improving access to visitors which will help breathe new life into the port.
The Malinauskas Labor Government has committed $51 million for the Port Dock Railway Line Project, honouring its pledge from the 2022 state election.
The project will re-establish the 1km line and station, which were previously decommissioned in 1981. It will provide rail services for those who already call the area home and the many more set to live, work and visit Port Adelaide into the future.
It will also serve as an important destination station for the Port's tourist attractions and visitor destinations.
The project scope also includes:
* a new railway station and plaza at Baker Street;
* a bus interchange at the existing Lipson Street car park; and
* landscaping around the station, plaza and along the rail corridor
Once complete, it will provide integrated rail and bus services, and contribute significantly towards the ongoing renewal of the Port Adelaide precinct.
Following a review of the design undertaken late last year, the plan now features no level crossings. It also includes upgrades to the adjacent Barlow Street and Baker Street streetscapes for improved pedestrian and cyclist access.
The project is expected to support 100 full time equivalent jobs during construction.
Passenger services along the Outer Harbour line will continue throughout the work and, importantly, access will be maintained to the National Railway Museum and the South Australian Aviation Museum.
Temporary changes to pedestrian and cyclist access to the Outer Harbor Greenway will be required. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to follow signage in the area.
The Public Transport Projects (PTP) Alliance comprising of McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott MacDonald, together with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, will deliver this project, with work expected to be compete in late 2024.
As put by Tom Koutsantonis
After more than 40 years, rail services are finally returning to the heart of the Port Adelaide precinct.
Labor allocated funds for this project in 2017 before it was unceremoniously cancelled by the Marshall Liberal government – but it is finally being delivered.
The Port Dock spur and station will be an important part of breathing new life into the port and capitalising on the ongoing evolution of this area.
Direct, easy and fast access connecting the Port to the city will be a boon for the area and the businesses that operate here.
I encourage everyone to continue to support the National Railway Museum and the South Australian Aviation Museum during the construction period.
As put by Susan Close
This rail spur will enliven parts of Port Adelaide that haven't had much attention in decades, providing a real boost for local businesses and the community.
It will also be good for local employment with about 100 jobs created throughout the life of the project.
The rail spur and associated infrastructure adds to the transformation of Port Adelaide, which includes new housing and business in the heart of the city, new cafes and restaurants and increased employment opportunities, including through this innovative project.
