Students, workers and residents of Adelaide’s southern suburbs will enjoy better, more frequent services on the brand new $141 million Flinders Rail Line.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the rail service will transform access to Flinders University and make it easier than ever for future students to achieve their career ambitions with a Flinders degree.
“This is a game changer. Students from across greater Adelaide who may previously have struggled to get to Flinders can now get from the CBD to our front door in barely 20 minutes. Each time the train door opens, it’s opening onto opportunities for careers in health, education, science and technology, and more,” Professor Stirling said.
“For our existing students and staff at Bedford Park and Tonsley it represents a fast, affordable and very convenient travel alternative.”
“Importantly, the rail link is central to our Flinders Village development. The start of services is a catalyst for the project, enabling us to progress our plans for the first stage of the development, with our new leading edge Health and Medical Research Building.
“The rail line is much more than simply a piece of transport infrastructure – it is an enabler for learning, jobs and economic growth. We thanks the state and federal governments for their support and for investing in SA’s future prosperity” Professor Stirling says.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new line connecting Flinders University and the Flinders Medical Centre to Adelaide’s rail network will open to passengers from Tuesday 29 December.
“The Flinders Link project extends the existing Tonsley passenger rail line to the Flinders Medical Centre which in turn improves links to the Adelaide Central Business district,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This is yet another example of how we are continuing to deliver our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan which is investing in local jobs and laying the foundations for economic recovery.”
Acting South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Rob Lucas, said the extension of the old Tonsley rail line to the new Flinders Station will make commuting easier for residents in Adelaide’s south.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to building what matters for South Australians by extending our rail network to the health and education precinct in Adelaide’s south,” Acting Minister Lucas said.
“We’re delivering more than 12,000 additional trips every year including, for the first time, weekend and late-night train services to the city.
“We have listened to the community to ensure the timetables will provide the service residents expect, including making sure medical staff can catch the train for their early morning shifts.”
Federal Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said the jointly funded project has delivered a 650-metre extension of the current Tonsley rail line, including an elevated single track over Sturt Road, Laffer’s Triangle and Main South Road, linking Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University to the passenger rail network.
“The project also includes the construction of the new Flinders and Tonsley Railway Station, as well as an integrated shared pedestrian/cycle path adjacent the rail line from the new ramp located at the corner of Sturt Road and Birch Crescent to the new Flinders Station,” Ms Flint said.
“The new 160-metre-long Tonsley Station will also open to passengers from 29 December 2020, providing access to the Tonsley Innovation District.”
State Member for Elder Carolyn Power said the Marshall Liberal Government had ensured consultation with local residents was a priority when deciding the location of the new Tonsley Station.
“Findings from the community consultation indicated that station access was a high priority,” Ms Power said.
“Thanks to the feedback received, we improved connections for the residents of Mitchell Park and were also able to include lighting, seating and signage to enhance accessibility and use.”
State Member for Davenport, Steve Murray, said as a strong advocate for public transport in the south, this is a great outcome
“This new Flinders Line is a very welcome additional option not just for residents but students and workers as well,” Mr Murray said.
As part of the project, three Activated Pedestrian Crossings were also constructed: two on either side of Alawoona Avenue and one further south of the new Tonsley station aligning with Handley Avenue.
Minor finishing works will continue to be undertaken in the coming weeks.
The $141 million Flinders line was a jointly funded project with the Australian Government committing $70.5 million and the South Australian Government $70.5 million.
To view the timetable for the new Flinders Line, visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au.