SA transport expert Luigi Rossi proposes $1bn superfast train from Adelaide to Mt Barker

A SUPERFAST rail link from Adelaide to Mt Barker would relieve travel woes for motorists, capitalise on tourism and prepare for population growth, according to an SA transport expert, who also says the Tollgate at the bottom of the Freeway needs up to $450m spent on it.

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A SUPERFAST rail link from Adelaide to Mt Barker would relieve travel woes for motorists, capitalise on tourism and prepare for population growth, according to a South Australian transport expert.

Former senior Transport Department bureaucrat Luigi Rossi, who has guided some of the state’s biggest infrastructure projects, has proposed a $1 billion fast rail connecting the city to the Hills, taking just 22 minutes and reaching a maximum speed of 160km/h.

Mr Rossi was part of a panel of project proponents to speak at Mount Barker Council on Monday night about the renaissance of rail as Hills population grows and the South Eastern Freeway nears its capacity.

“Mt Barker is expected to grow from 15,000 residents to 40,000 residents over the next 25 years, which is quite a significant challenge,” Mr Rossi told the meeting.

“Also recognising the South Eastern Freeway is nearing capacity and has limited opportunity and ability to deal with challenges ahead.

“Solutions to deal with the Portrush/Cross roads intersection are also very significant ranging from $350-$450 million, let alone what you’re going to do with Glen Osmond Rd or the rest of the road network to accommodate more traffic.”

Mr Rossi said the fast rail public transport system offered a “holistic solution to a challenging problem”.

“We see this as far more than a just a public transport project, we see this driving economic growth, housing affordability and lifestyle,” he said.

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Two options were proposed for a rail link to Mt Barker, the first option was to use the existing rail corridor from Belair to Mt Barker and remove freight trains.

This would cost $50-$100 million, or an a track upgrade to allow for faster tilting trains would cost $250-$300 million but speeds would be restricted because of bends in the route.

The best travel time for this option would be 50 minutes, but it would be reliant on the Northern Freight Bypass being completed.

The second and more beneficial option, according to the panel, was for a new 160km/hr rail corridor to deviate after Mitcham station and follow Brownhill Creek, including construction of viaducts.

The South Eastern Freeway’s median strip would then be used from Stirling via a train flyover right through to Mt Barker, costing in total about $1 billion.

Only about three stations would be serviced on this track, with travel times expected to be 18 minutes for express to approximately 22 minutes.

The track could then be extended in later stages to Strathablyn, Victor Harbor, Goolwa and Murray Bridge.

Engineer and project proponent Edwin Michell told the meeting: “This is a very achievable engineering project and well within the capability of what has been achieved already in Australia and even in South Australia”.

Mr Michell said some land acquisitions might be required throughout Brownhill Creek for this option, but an initial analysis showed this would not include houses.

The council will consider funding a feasibility study for the project in the next two months.