The $141 million Flinders Link Project is starting to take shape as work begins this week to lay close to three kilometres of new rail.
The Morrison and Marshall Governments are jointly funding the Flinders Link Project that will see the existing line extended by 650m improving connectivity to health, innovation and education precincts.
Approximately 1,000 new concrete sleepers will be placed between Alawoona Avenue, Tonsley and the new Flinders Railway Station.
This railway line extension project involves the construction of an elevated single track over Sturt Road, Laffers Triangle and Main South Road, the new Flinders and Tonsley Railway Stations and an integrated shared pedestrian/cycle path adjacent the rail line.
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the Flinders Link would connect Flinders University with the main transport network.
"It will open up and reshape this entire area of Adelaide, for students, for health workers, for thousands of people," Mr Tudge said.
"The Morrison Government has prioritised infrastructure construction as we come out of the other side of COVID and we're making sure that means jobs and money into the SA economy."
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said this is an exciting milestone in the project.
"This project forms part of the Marshall Government's record $12.9 billion investment in infrastructure across the state," Minister Wingard said.
"It's creating 55 jobs per year during the life of the project and helping support our economy during an extremely tough time.
"Once complete, this rail link will better connect residents in the southern suburbs with important services including the Flinders Hospital and Flinders University."
Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said this project will greatly increase public transport options for local residents.
"The extended train line will help local residents get to and from the city, and also help people get to Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University safely and easily without the pressure of finding a car park," Ms Flint said.
"The Flinders Link Rail line will also help the University unlock investment for their $1.5 billion Flinders Village redevelopment, as well as linking their main campus at Bedford Park to the new Tonsley Innovation Precinct."
Member for Elder Carolyn Power said this is incredible progress for the local community.
"Residents have shared with me how the Flinders Link Project will improve their lives by helping them to get where they need to go, faster and safer," Ms Power said.
"Public transport is fundamental in the day-to-day lives of so many, providing people mobility and connecting them to employment, education, community resources, medical care and recreational opportunities."
Passenger services and the new stations are expected to be online by the end of the year.
