Tonsley rail line extension to Flinders to be complete next year, price tag blows out to $125m

An extension of the Tonsley rail line to Flinders Uni and Medical Centre is expected to be finished in the middle of next year, but at a much higher cost than first predicted. SEE HOW IT WILL LOOK

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An extension of the Tonsley rail line to Flinders University and Medical Centre is set for completion in the middle of next year, but at a much higher cost than first predicted.

SA Transport Minister Stephan Knoll on Monday announced development approval had been granted for the Flinders Link project, which is a 650m extension of the existing line.

The final plans come in at a cost of $125 million, a blowout from the earlier price of $86 million.

Mr Knoll said the budget had been “revised up” after significant design changes and improvements that include “safety, functional and stakeholder requirements”.

Major works will start in the coming months, with completion expected in mid-2020.

The project is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, and the latest announcement comes in the middle of a national election campaign where SA’s most hotly fought seat will be the marginal electorate of Boothby held by Liberal Nicolle Flint.

Boothby includes Flinders Medical Centre and the seat has also been the beneficiary of federal cash pledges for the Repat as well as level-crossing fixes at Hove and Oaklands.

The contract for Flinders Link has been granted to Gateway South, a joint venture between Fulton Hogan and Laing O’Rourke.

It is expected to support 55 full time jobs.

The extension of the current Tonsley rail line will feature an elevated single track over Sturt Rd, Laffers Triangle and Main South Rd to Flinders Medical Centre and the University.

A new Flinders station will replace the existing Tonsley station.

The project also features a shared pedestrian and cycle path adjacent the rail line from a new ramp located at the corner of Sturt Rd and Birch Crescent to the new Flinders station.

Mr Knoll said the build will better connect SA’s health, innovation and education precincts.

“The Marshall Government is continuing to invest in productive infrastructure to cut travel times, ease congestions and get people where they want to go faster,” he said.