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The first project to be initiated as part of the Government’s $2 billion public transport investment is renewal of the Belair line (between Goodwood and Belair).
This will be a significant upgrade and essentially involves replacing the existing track with new infrastructure including:
Renewal of the Belair Line will provide reliable and more comfortable services for commuters well into the future.
The upgrade will use gauge–convertible concrete sleepers so the track can be converted from broad gauge (1600mm wide tracks) to standard gauge (1435 mm wide tracks) at a later date in coordination with this change across the whole metropolitan rail network.
Work on the Belair line will not have any impact on the adjacent freight line.
Electrification of the Belair line is not proposed at this time, as this requires further engineering and operational analysis, due to two tunnels and the close proximity of the interstate (freight) rail line.
The hills freight line is the subject of a $3 million study announced by the Federal Government and a decision about electrifying the Belair line won’t be made until after this study is completed.
Major construction works for renewal of the Belair line (between Goodwood and Belair) are expected to commence in early 2009. This first stage of the track upgrade is due for completion in mid 2009.
Clipping rails on to sleepers Demonstration of sleeper laying machine
Construction works will be undertaken in a coordinated and staged approach to minimise the impact on train commuters and the surrounding residents and businesses.
The length of time required for construction will be determined once the successful construction contractor is selected and their construction methodology is finalised.
A key requirement for the construction contractor will be to develop a program of works that will see the project completed in the safest, most efficient and least disruptive manner.
In order to complete construction as quickly as possible and therefore minimise the period of rail closure, it is likely there will be some night works.
Detailed construction planning will be used to determine the right balance between minimising disruptions to train commuters and noise disruption to residents.
Any night works will be staggered along the Belair railway line where possible to reduce the impact on individual residents.
The Belair line will be closed during the construction phase to allow the works to be undertaken as safely and efficiently as possible. The community will be kept informed about construction activities and alternative bus services throughout the life of this project.
Bus services will be provided during the construction period. These will be designed to replace the existing train services to align as closely as possible to service frequency and stopping points. Further details of alternative bus services are expected to be available in early 2009.
The accommodation of wheelchairs and other mobility aids is recognised as a key issue. Wherever possible, accessible buses will be provided subject to availability. If you have a requirement for accessible transport, please contact the Project Team on 1300 782 454 with your specific requirements. This will help to plan the best use of available resources.
The alternative services will be unable to accommodate bicycles for the duration of the Belair line closure.
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The metropolitan rail network was used by 11.5 million passengers last financial year (2007/08) which accounts for 17.5% of all public transport use.
The Belair line is used by up to 5 000 passengers each working day.
Below is an estimate of the amount of construction material, which will be required for the Belair Line Renewal between Goodwood and Belair:
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