With major excavation works beginning for the rail underpass at Torrens Rail Junction, marking the start of the late phase of the $238 million project, the Outer Harbor rail crossing at Park Terrace in Bowen is to be permanently closed in the next few weeks.
Another two level-crossings – at Gibson and East streets in Bowden – will also be removed as part of the project to separate the Outer Harbor, Grange, Gawler and rail freight lines, thus removing the need for trains to give way to one another, easing traffic congestion and saving time for passenger and freight rail services.
“Once these works are complete, Outer Harbor and Grange trains will no longer need to slow down at these level crossings and the requirement for trains to give way to one another will also be removed, improving the travel times for all services,” South Australia’s transport minister Stephen Mullighan said.
The works to remove the level crossings will require the temporary suspension of rail services on the Outer Harbor, Grange and Gawler lines. Substitute bus services – including express services – will be in operation as replacements for trains.
Services on the Outer Harbor and Grange lines will close from 10pm Sunday 24 September and re-open on 3 December.
During the closure of these lines’ services, further works are to be carried out, including an upgrade to the Croydon Railway Station which will enable a raise in the train speed-limit.
Gawler line services between Adelaide and Mawson Lakes will close from Sunday 1 October until Monday 16 October. Services between Mawson Lakes and Gawler Central will operate as normal.
“The removal of these level crossings are a major milestone for this project. While it is disappointing that we need to disrupt train services to do these works, when they are complete they will have a big impact in reducing delays for both road traffic and rail services,” Mullighan said.
“Once completed later in the year, the Outer Harbor Greenway will also be a major milestone for this cycling and walking route, removing the need for cyclists and pedestrians to cross South Road and Park Terrace, making it much safer for all who use it.”