Hove, Brighton residents shocked and angered after being issued with relocation letter ahead of $300m level crossing development

Housing SA residents were shocked to learn they were being moved out to make way for the Hove level crossing upgrade.

Hove residents Mel Stubbs and Judith Paterson were shocked to receive letters telling them they would be moved on to make way for Hove level crossing works. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Public housing residents in Hove and Brighton were shocked to learn last week that they were being moved on to make way for a rail crossing development.

Sixteen residents who live in single-storey Housing SA units next to the Seaford rail line received a relocation letter on Wednesday, January 13.

Resident Judith Paterson said she had been a “bundle of nerves” since finding out she would be relocated after living at the units for eight years.

“I can’t sleep, I can’t eat because there are just no houses out there and we’ve got until June to be relocated,” Ms Paterson, 60, said.

The Brighton Road rail crossing at Hove. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“We’ve had no consultation, we’ve seen nobody and ... I think it’s ludicrous, it’s not fair.

“I don’t think the upgrade is needed, of course Brighton Road gets busy ... every major road is the same in Adelaide it’s not just Brighton so why are they picking on us?”

Local resident and business owner Jane Fleming, who is also a Holdfast Bay councillor, said the eviction letter demonstrated the State Government planned to press ahead with the $300 million level crossing, despite strong community opposition and a lack of consultation.

“Residents are concerned that the Department for Infrastructure and Transport is rushing through the option for a 1.4km long and 9 metre high rail bridge without considering the impacts to the community,” Ms Fleming said.

About 70 residents attended a community meeting on Monday night, to oppose the Hove rail crossing development.

The $300 million level crossing will involve either an overpass or an underpass.

It aims to improve travel times for motorists on Brighton Rd, and increase safety for all users, including pedestrians, by removing the road-rail crossing point.

Ms Fleming said the community had been assured that consultation with residents would continue into early February.

“But judging by the flurry of acquisitions the Department is already pursuing a particular option,” Ms Fleming said.

About 70 concerned residents met on Monday night to oppose the rail crossing development.

Ms Fleming said a community Facebook page – Our Community Says No to Hove Crossing Development – had been set up to give residents a voice.

Locals Judith Paterson Melvin Stubbs with their grandchildren Jackson, 11 and Lily, 7. Picture: Keryn Stevens

She suggested better synching the five sets of traffic lights within 1.5km of each other on Brighton Rd and encouraging traffic to divert off Lonsdale Road on to Majors and then Main South roads would improve traffic flow.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the level crossing project had been “on the cards for decades”.

“We need to find a solution to improve safety, reduce noise and air pollution, improve travel times and stop backstreet rat running,” Mr Wingard said.

He said there were four proposals being considered – road under, road over, rail under and rail over.

“We’re consulting with the community about the pros and cons of each but my goal is to reduce the number of homes that will need to be demolished,” Mr Wingard said.

“Engagement with the community is an essential part of the process and we want to keep everyone well informed throughout the life of the project.”