Underground Elizabeth train station, passenger rail among Playford Council’s wishlist for transport study

High-speed passenger rail is the key to fixing SA’s public transport problems, a council says, and linking the CBD to the growing communities out north.

An underground Elizabeth Railway Station? Playford Council has responded to the state government’s northern suburbs transport study. Picture: Kane’s Trains

An underground train station in the northern suburbs, extended rail line to the Barossa Valley and fast train passenger service to the Upper Spencer Gulf are part of a Playford Council wishlist in an ambitious transport pitch to the state government.

The council says an underground train station at Elizabeth would “maximise land development opportunities” and a fast train to Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla would support the state government’s push to create a hydrogen-powered green industrial centre in the region.

“There is a need to identify a suitable future rapid mass transit corridor that is separate to the road network,” the council says in its submission to a Northern Adelaide Transport Study.

Curtis Rd is one of the most hated roads in the northern suburbs, with small businesses crafting car stickers with the phrase “F*** Curtis Rd”. Picture: Supplied

“The Elizabeth CBD is important for residents and communities in regional SA, providing a northern centre of commercial and cultural activity, without having to travel into the capital city.”

“The vision for the Elizabeth Centre is to support the northern region’s growing population as the central service centre.

“It is acknowledged that this would require significant capital investment, however this would be offset in part with the increase in land yields and values.”

Housing developments at Riverlea, Virginia, Angle Vale and Two Wells, along with employment growth around the northwest economic corridor and Greater Edinburgh Park meant there was need for a “rapid mass transit corridor” in northern suburbs.

Congestion along Curtis, Womma and Dalkeith rd continue to be a major issue for residents of Playford. Picture: Supplied

The council has also proposed upgrades to east-west road connectors such as Curtis Road to address growing populations in newly developed suburbs in the area.

Population growth and developments, such as Playford Alive and Blakes Crossing have put additional strain on the connectors, leading to increased congestion and travel times, along with increased risk for crashes for commuters.

Curtis Rd in particular has become infamous, with multiple campaigns launched over its conditions and some locals adorning their cars with “F*** Curtis Rd” bumper stickers.

The Elizabeth City Centre could be transformed into a Transit Oriented Development as part of Playford Council’s wishlist. Picture: Supplied

The submission suggests the roads should be “reviewed” to improve capacity, the removal of level crossings along the Gawler Line and improving traffic signalling at major intersections such as Main North Rd.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that currently only eight per cent of Playford residents use public transport for daily city commuting.

The Northern Adelaide Transport Study includes the Outer Northern suburbs and the inner, including a range of council catchments areas.

The council’s submission notes that if improvements were made to the affordability, train station or train stop amenities including bus shelters, safety, park and ride capacity, along with core elements of frequency and route options to the bus network, usage would increase.

“These principles need to be adopted more broadly across Greater Adelaide, especially in low socio economic communities, such as the City of Playford, who would receive the greatest benefit of a public transport network that is ‘Convenient, connected, and high frequency’,” the report says.