Business strategist Dr Paul Szuster calls for scoping study into dual rail tunnel to Adelaide Hills

A prominent SA business strategist says he’s found the solution to address all of the Hills’ growing traffic woes – but it needs a collaborative approach.

A high-speed rail tunnel through the Adelaide Hills would help ease traffic gridlocks on the South-Eastern Freeway, according to a business strategist.

Dr Paul Szuster, instrumental in the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Service in Taiwan, is calling on private and government stakeholders to help fund a scoping study for a dual-gauge tunnel between Lynton and Nairne to connect Adelaide with Murray Bridge.

The proposal includes underground stations at Mount Barker, Hahndorf, Bridgewater, Stirling and Belair and a second rail line for interstate freight trains.

It would also consider new and existing park-and-ride infrastructure at each station.

Dr Szuster, who presented his proposal at Monday night’s Mount Barker District council meeting, said a feasibility study would help explore the social and benefits a rail tunnel could bring to the region.

It comes after widespread frustration over lengthy traffic delays on the South-Eastern Freeway after crashes and truck breakdowns, and growing congestion because of population increase in the Hills.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard has already said a train link between the Hills and Adelaide is not viable but that hasn’t stopped locals demanding better transport options.

Dr Paul Szuster is proposing a high-speed rail tunnel through the Adelaide Hills with a number of underground stations.

Dr Szuster estimated a study would cost between $100,000 and $150,000 and could be funded through the support of private stakeholders.

“I’ve written up a bit of a list of stakeholders which includes several councils, including Murray Bridge, Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina, which would all benefit from having better access to the city via a fast rail,” he said.

“Even the Shahins who first developed the racetrack at Tailem Bend, they benefit from having better access to their facility because people won’t have to drive all the way there – I can’t see a reason why a train couldn’t go all the way to Tailem Bend.

“So I plan to approach all of them … as well as some other large businesses in the region (like) the Thomas (Foods International) meat works at Murray Bridge.

“Then there is the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and I’ve already given them a presentation; I believe they are reporting on that to the Minister as we speak.”

Dr Szuster said a high-speed rail tunnel would address the region’s congestion issues.

“If Mongolia can have an underground tunnel for their capital city with a million people, surely we can too,” he said.

“So what I’m proposing is a consultant study to see if this is a worthwhile project to consider; imagine the employment.”

A department spokesman said Dr Szuster’s proposal was under consideration.