Premier of South Australia

The last stages of moving the 3,000 tonne rail bridge - the centrepiece of the new Bakewell Underpass – began overnight, heralding a major milestone for the $41 million project.

Work crews are using the Easter holiday period to complete the massive undertaking to avoid causing disruption to regular weekday commuters.

Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon, said the installation of the 3,000 tonne rail bridge represented a significant step toward completion of one of the State’s major infrastructure projects.

“The underpass really starts to take shape with the rail bridge in place and I’m delighted with the fantastic progress we’ve made in a relatively short space of time,” Minister Conlon said.

“Moving such a massive piece of infrastructure is no easy task and the preparation and planning required for today’s operation is impressive.

“The completed Bakewell Underpass will open up an exciting new transport corridor for the city’s west, serving not only road and rail traffic but also pedestrians and cyclists.”

The work has seen the temporary closure of the Belair and Noarlunga train lines with substitute bus services operating across Easter.  Trains will resume from the first scheduled service on Tuesday, 10 April.

On site crews have been working around the clock to:

·        remove rail lines/sleepers and ballast from all four lines

·        excavate to a depth of approximately 5.5 metres

·        clean up the pre-prepared substructure

·        install bearings

·        slide the superstructure (rail bridge) into place

·        reinstate rail and ballast

Following the Easter works, the first stage of the underpass’ road bridge will be complete in May with the second stage due to be ready in August.

Excavation works and construction of walls are to be completed in October with drainage, road pavement and lighting installed towards the end of the year.

The completed Bakewell Underpass is expected to be opened by the end of the year