The report, compiled by consultancy firm GHD for the federal transport department, concludes that even the cheapest upgrade − improving the tortuous existing rail path through the Adelaide Hills − is not cost effective.

GHD researchers found even the most productive of the five options studied would provide benefits of $190m over 30 years, compared with construction costs for the five of between $700m and $3.2bn each.

“While there are benefits flowing to rail track managers, train operators and the communities that surround the rail line, the size of these benefits is modest and the size of the capital outlay required to generate such benefits is large, particularly in the new alignment options,” the report says.

Share your opinion: View and discuss the Adelaide Hills rail bypass proposals.

The current alignment has a capacity of 10.7 million tonnes of freight a year, which is more than double the 4.8 million tonnes a year currently carried on the rail line.

However, steep grades and tight curves force trains to travel more slowly and to use 50 percent more locomotive power per tonne than on other interstate rail freight corridors, the report says.

They also restrict trains to a maximum of 3,500 tonnes gross.

The terrain of the Adelaide Hills causes greater locomotive and wagon wear and tear and higher maintenance costs than would be incurred with a straighter, flatter alignment.

Responses from the Australian Trucking Association and the Australasian Railway Association to the report were awaited at deadline today.

via Supply Chain Review

The Gawler Line will be shut down between Adelaide and Mawson Interchange for about four months to facilitate the major upgrade which will pave the way for electrification of the line.

More than 14,500 people on average board Gawler Line trains on weekdays. From Sunday, many will travel on one of 46 substitute buses between Mawson Lakes and the city. The Transport Department has urged commuters to prepare travel plans to ensure they reach their destinations on time.

Georgia Pollard, 19, takes the tram from Goodwood and then the Gawler train to UniSA at Mawson Lakes four times a week. “It already takes me just over an hour to get there, so it’s going to take more like an hour and a half or just over two hours,” she said. “It’s a bit ridiculous.”

The first stage of the upgrade involves:

UPGRADING the base layer;

INSTALLING new gauge-convertible concrete sleepers;

IMPROVING stormwater drainage;

REFURBISHING or replacing rail;

CONNECTING the new Dry Creek railcar depot to the Gawler line.

Train services will continue from the outer suburbs of Gawler and Gawler Central to Mawson Lakes. Buses between Mawson Lakes and the city will leave Mawson Lakes Interchange as soon as seats are taken, immediately after a train has arrived. They will travel directly along Salisbury Highway, Port Wakefield Rd, Churchill Rd and Jeffcott St to Adelaide Railway Station. They will not pick up passengers but may allow passengers off if required.

Five stations between Mawson Lakes and the city will be closed. Other buses from Mawson Lakes will pick up passengers at designated stops on Churchill Rd.

via AdelaideNow

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said about 100 accidents occurred at rail crossings each year.

“The investment we are making will not only improve road safety but also support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession,” he said.

Crossings in Virginia, Two Wells, Mallala and Korunye will be amongst those receiving boom barrier upgrades.

AdelaideNow