Cyclists vow to fight bus interchange associated with Port Dock spur line

OUTRAGED bike riders are taking action against a bus interchange proposed as part of the new $16.4 million Port Dock rail spur project, saying it will interfere with users of the Outer Harbor Greenway shared pathway.

OUTRAGED cyclists are taking action against the bus interchange proposed as part of the new $16.4 million Port Dock rail spur project, saying it will interfere with users of the Outer Harbor Greenway shared pathway.

The Port Adelaide Bicycle Users Group (PortBUG) and the Lipson St Residents Association have started a petition to move the interchange — being planned for next to the new Port Dock railway station — from Lipson St to St Vincent St.

The State Government has announced a new rail spur, station and bus interchange will be built to bring commuters into the heart of the Port.

The Outer Harbor Greenway connects Port Adelaide and the city via a series of side streets and shared paths along the railway line.

Michael Herlihy, a committee member of both community groups, started the petition — which has so far been signed by 60 residents — because he says the increase in the number of buses travelling along Lipson St will “block cyclists forcing them into traffic”.

“Typically a bus interchange includes a number of bus routes culminating at one point,” Mr Herlihy said.

“The illustrations of the proposed interchange show buses turning across Lipson St ... if only six routes were accessing the bus interchange on a 30-minute schedule in both directions that would result in cyclists, pedestrians and residents negotiating heavy vehicle traffic every 2.5 minutes.”

Mr Herlihy’s concerns have been backed by PortBUG president Sam Powrie, who said little consideration had been given to the needs of pathway users.

He called on the State Government to ensure the Greenway is safeguarded.

Latest Transport Department designs for the Port Adelaide spur line, with Lipson St to the left of the rail museum.

“The Greenway is valuable public space and a very busy, active transport route ... it is used extensively by pedestrians, motorised disability-aid users and others travelling from Rosewater and other close-by suburbs into the Port CBD,” Mr Powrie said.

Mr Herlihy, who lives on Lipson St, is also concerned that a bus interchange will be detrimental to the health and safety of residents.

“The noise level generated by commercial traffic on Lipson St will increase,” he said.

“Buses have always used Lipson St as a shortcut to avoid using the traffic lights at the intersection of St Vincent and Commercial Rd and buses frequently conduct layovers outside our apartment block ... usually with the engine and airconditioner running if the bus is ahead of schedule.

“The noise level inside of our second-floor apartment has been measured to be the same as that experienced sitting in the back seat of a bus.”

The Transport Department did not respond to questions from the Portside Weekly.