Train tests successful at Torrens Junction; services resume

Trains have been successfully tested on the new Torrens Junction underpass in Bowden, South Australia, with services to resume Outer Harbor and Grange lines on Monday.

Along with the resumption of passenger services, the new Bowden Railway Station is also to open on Monday.

The construction of the new underpass, as part of the $238 million Torrens Junction project, enabled the removal of removal of three level crossings, and will mean that trains will no longer need to slow down or give way to other trains, thus improving travel times for all services.

“By reducing delays caused by trains giving way to one another or vehicles waiting for trains to pass, we’re delivering faster and safer journeys for everyone on road or rail,” South Australia’s transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan said.

“Removing the need for trains to give way to one another means faster trips for Adelaide Metro passengers, faster freight movements and fewer delays for motorists at level crossings in Ovingham and Torrens Road.”

In recognition of the disruption the works caused to commuters, passengers will have free trips on the Outer Harbor and Grange lines until 28 January.

“As with any major project, this can’t be achieved without some inconvenience and while we’re doing as much of the works as possible when passenger and freight trains are running, some of the works required disruptions to rail services,” Mullighan said.

“Construction works have been underway around the clock to get this project completed and passenger services returned as quickly as possible and I’d like to also thank everyone who has been working on this project, particularly over the festive season.”

Other works completed during the closure the lines included upgrade works at Grange and Woodville stations, asphalt replacement at Woodville level crossing, Torrens River Rail Bridge structural and painting works, and signalling upgrade works for the Outer Harbor line.