Premier of South Australia

The latest element of the Rann Government’s $2 billion public transport revolution has been given the go-ahead with State Cabinet approving a joint venture to rebuild the Belair rail line.

John Holland and Coleman Rail have won the contract with reconstruction work to begin on Monday, 26 April.

Transport Minister Patrick Conlon says a major upgrade of the Belair line is an important step in the Government’s unprecedented plans to revitalise the public transport system.

“The rebuild of the Belair line will deliver a brand new track providing reliable and comfortable services for the foreseeable future for the thousands of commuters who use it everyday,” he said.

“We’ll be commencing work in about six weeks and expect to have the new track in place and ready to use in August.

“Over the next ten years this Government will deliver the largest investment in public transport in the history of South Australia.

“This investment will provide a vibrant and state-of-the-art public transport system with faster, cleaner and more frequent services for train, tram and bus commuters.”

The joint venture of John Holland and Coleman Rail brings together one of the largest rail construction companies in Australia and that which delivered Adelaide’s highly successful first tramline extension from Victoria Square to City West.

In order to deliver the project as quickly as possible and minimise the inconvenience to Belair commuters, the track will be closed with bus substitute services operating during the construction period.

Over the next six weeks commuters will be given all the information they need to utilise the replacement services with as little inconvenience as possible.

The communications campaign will include:

• More than 60,000 full colour bus substitute brochures distributed to homes and public transport hubs from Friday
• Radio and print advertising in the fortnight leading up to construction commencing
• Adelaide Metro Info Teams on site at stations and bus stops for three weeks prior and two weeks after construction commences
• Advisory signs at Belair line stations and substitute bus stops and the Adelaide Railway Station
• Website, SMS and email alerts and updates

“Obviously there will be some interruption to regular travel patterns when work of this magnitude is undertaken but we are doing everything possible to make sure all the relevant information is easily accessible,” Mr Conlon said.

“Between now and April 26 Belair line commuters can plan their alternative arrangements and I would encourage everyone affected to do just that. 

“Commuters need to be aware that bus trips will take longer than the train, so planning trips will be important.

“In addition to substitute bus services for regular passengers, the State Government recently entered into an agreement with Bicycle SA to provide a dedicated trailer service for cyclists who use the Belair line.”

Support is available for commuters planning their journeys during the construction period by visiting www.adelaidemetro.com.au or by calling the Adelaide Metro Info Line on 8210 1000.

Project and construction information is available by visiting www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au, by emailing dtei.rr@saugov.sa.gov.au or by calling the project team on 1300 782 454.