Transport Minister bows to pressure from cyclists over Port Dock bus interchange location

A PLANNED bus interchange will be moved to stop it interfering with a bike path after an intervention from Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan.

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THE Port Dock bus interchange will be moved to stop it interfering with the Outer Harbor Greenway bike path after an intervention from Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan.

The development is a win for disgruntled locals and comes after the Portside Weekly reported that residents and cyclists had started a petition to have the bus interchange moved from Lipson St to St Vincent St.

Transport Stephen Mullighan. Picture: AAP/Russell Millard

They said they were concerned that increased bus traffic would be detrimental to the health and safety of residents and cyclists.

“I have asked my department to ... find a different solution which will achieve the same great public transport benefits while avoiding these impacts on the local community,” Mr Mullighan said.

The bus interchange is part of a $16.4 million Port Dock Railway Station project which will bring a new rail spur into the heart of the Port.

The State Government has announced a new rail station and bus interchange will be built on Baker St as part of the plan.

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

Cyclist and committee member of the Lipson St Residents Association Michael Herlihy started the petition — which was signed by 60 residents — because he said the increase in the number of buses travelling along Lipson St would “block cyclists forcing them into traffic”.

His concerns were supported by Port Bicycle User Group president Sam Powrie, who called on the State Government to ensure the Greenway was safeguarded.

In response, Mr Mullighan said he had asked the Transport Department to find another route to carry bus passengers to and from the station.

“Currently the proposal risks impacting on the Outer Harbor Greenway and would result in the loss of dozens of car parks,” Mr Mullighan said.

“While the new Port Dock Railway Station and spur line will provide a major public transport boost for the Port, and linked bus services will be an important part of the service, cycling routes and carparking in Port Adelaide must not be compromised by any proposal.”

Mr Herlihy said he was pleased by Mr Mullighan’s intervention.

“Mr. Mullighan’s support of green transport initiatives should be commended,” he said.

“Urban mobility is essential.”