Teams are closing in on the completion date for the new Flinders Line in Adelaide.
An extension of the existing Tonsley Line, the re-named line will connect the Adelaide train network to the Flinders health and education precinct when it opens in early December.
Once open, the new line will increase services along the line, with an added 12,000 trips to the new timetable and weekend services from December 26. Tonsley Line services previously only ran Monday-Friday.
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the project will enable more people to use public transport.
“This extension of the railway line to Flinders health and education precincts will create new connections for not only the residents who live in the area, but all those who work or study at the university and hospitals,” said Wingard.
Services on the current line will be suspended for two weeks from the last service on Friday, November 20, to allow for testing and driver training before the extension opens.
“The closure is critical to ensure the new track is tested and our train drivers are familiar with the line before it opens,” said Wingard.
Local federal member Nicolle Flint said the new line would be a catalyst for further development in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
“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,” 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.”
The joint federal-state funded $141 million extension project has involved an elevated track over Sturt Road, Laffers Triangle and Main South Road, two new stations at Flinders and Tonsley, and a shared pedestrian/cycle path adjacent to the rail line.
Tonsley station will replace Clovelly Park station, which will be closed.