1. What area makes up the planning study?

The planning study area is made up of a 14 km corridor that is being investigated, from north of the Brown Road and Port Wakefield Road intersection to Salisbury Highway. This includes a wide section of approximately 1 km on the western side of Port Wakefield Road, from Brown Road to Jobson Road.

2. I am in the study area, what can I expect over the coming two years?

Property owners and residents living within the study area have been contacted by the department. The planning study will examine a range of issues to determine a preferred route. It will include a full economic analysis, establish an environmental assessment process and outline an approach for design and construction. In the planning study area, some survey and general soil testing work will occur. If contractors require access to any private property, the land owner will be contacted before any testing. At the completion of the planning study, all property owners in the study area will be advised of the results and whether their property is affected.

3. How can the community provide feedback during the planning process?

The department is looking to engage a contractor for the planning study in March 2008. Any comments or feedback on the project can be forwarded to the department. A consultation program will be developed in due course. If you wish to provide feedback or have information provided to you as it becomes available, please register your details with the project team, either via email dtei.northernconnector@sa.gov.au or on 1300 793 458.

4. Why is Northern Connector needed?

The Northern Connector is needed because of the impact increased traffic volumes will ultimately have on Port Wakefield Road. The Northern Connector is also required to remove freight trains along suburban lines and level crossings, including Park Terrace and Kings Road at Salisbury, and to reduce travelling times from the Port of Adelaide to the northern region of Adelaide.

5. When will a decision be made about the future of the project and the route?

A decision is expected to be made on the project and the route in late 2009 after the completion of the planning study and environmental assessment.

6. When will I know if my property is affected?

Property owners and residents that are in the study area or along the corridor being investigated have been contacted by the department. Any affected properties will be known at the completion of the planning study.

7. When will the route be finalised?

At the completion of the planning study and environmental assessment, a preferred route will be put forward for ministerial approval in late 2009 to early 2010.

8. What would happen to Port Wakefield Road?

Port Wakefield Road would revert to an arterial road serving the industrial and commercial industries in the City of Salisbury. Industry and businesses along Port Wakefield Road would benefit from improved traffic flows and improved access to road and rail freight options.

9. Is the current upgrade of Port Wakefield Road necessary?

The 2008 upgrade of Port Wakefield Road is a short to medium term solution necessary to cater for the increasing traffic volumes now and after the opening of the Northern Expressway.

10. When would the Northern Connector be built?

It is envisaged the Northern Connector would be completed by 2016.

11. What traffic would use the Northern Connector?

The Northern Connector would be used by the Ghan, the Indian Pacific, freight trains, road freight and private vehicles.

12. Where would I be able to access and exit the Northern Connector?

The access and exit points along the Northern Connector will be determined during the planning study process. Several access and exit points, including at Waterloo Corner Road, Bolivar Road and to the south of Globe Derby Drive, are being investigated as part of the planning study.

13. Is the rail in the road median common?

This would be the first instance of rail in the middle of a road corridor in South Australia; however other states are already using this road/rail combination. The rail in the median of the road eliminates the delays and safety issues associated with level crossings.

14. Are there safety risks associated with having the rail in the median of the road?

The Northern Connector would be designed to best practice safety standards. Any direct interactions between trains and road vehicles would be eliminated by having trains travel through the middle of the road corridor and by designing interchanges with overpasses, removing the need for level crossings.

15. How can I find out more?

Email dtei.northernconnector@saugov.sa.gov.au
Information line 1300 793 458
Interpreter Service 1300 793 458