Q.  When will works start and how long will they take?
A.   It is expected that the main contract to undertake design and construction works will be awarded in early 2009.  At least 2 months design work is expected to be required before construction can begin.  The design work is needed to provide minor improvements to track alignment and geometry as well as modifying signals and communications infrastructure and improving drainage.  Careful attention also needs to be paid to the interface with pedestrian and level crossings and station platforms.

The length of time required for construction will be determined once the successful construction contractor is selected and their construction methodology is finalised. 
This methodology will need to take into account aspects such as:

• machinery and equipment that can be used
• access arrangements
• having a safe working environment adjacent to the main freight line (which needs to remain operational throughout the construction period)
• environmental management constraints
• traffic and pedestrian access requirements.

A key requirement for the construction contractor will be to develop a program of works that are safe, efficient and create the least disruption.

Q.  Will rail services be disrupted during construction?
A.  Yes, the Belair line will be closed during the construction period.  A substitute bus service will be provided during this time. It will seek to replicate rail services as closely as possible in terms of service frequency and stopping points.  Details of the arrangements are expected to be available early in 2009. 

Q.  Will there be night works?
A.  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 extent and length of impact on individual residents.
 
Q.  Will pedestrian crossings be available during construction works?
A.  There will be some temporary closures of pedestrian crossings to protect the safety of workers and pedestrians.  Signage will be used to advise pedestrians of any closures and temporary crossings will be provided when possible. 

Q.  Will the stations be upgraded?
A.  The track upgrade is the first priority on the Belair line. Part of the State Government’s $2 billion investment allows for upgrades to station infrastructure across the rail network. However, details of where and when these station upgrades will occur have not yet been determined.

Q.  Will passenger services be extended beyond Belair?
A.  Not at this time.  Extension of passenger rail services beyond Belair is not part of the Belair Line Renewal Project.

Q.  Why is the Belair line not being electrified?
A.  Electrification of the Belair line requires further engineering and operational analysis.  There are two tunnels and the interstate rail line is very close.  The Federal Government has started a study into the future of that line.

Q.  Why can’t the track be standardised at the same time as the track upgrade?
A.  A standardised track requires changes to the railcar maintenance facilities and conversion to standard gauge railcars. Standardisation therefore needs to be staged across the entire metropolitan rail network. The Belair line renewal will use gauge convertible sleepers.