Release date: 06/06/22

The Malinauskas Labor Government will finally open the electrified Gawler rail line for passengers this Sunday – the first time since it was closed in December 2020.

The new electrified line between Adelaide and Gawler will provide a cleaner, greener, quieter and faster service for the thousands of northern suburbs commuters expected to use the line every day.

Commuters will also benefit from upgrades and a refresh to 14 stations along the line. The improvements range from new and refurbished shelters, new seating and bins to LED lighting upgrades, painting and landscaping.

Thirteen existing pedestrian crossings along the line are being upgraded to active crossings to improve safety for pedestrians. Four are complete, while the remaining nine are currently undergoing works.

The crossings will be available for pedestrians in passive mode until all are completed in early 2023.

The project has supported, on average, approximately 675 full-time equivalent jobs per year over the life of the project.

Services will operate with a mix of diesel and electric trains until mid-2023, when a full compliment of electric trains will be available.

Free substitute bus services will continue to operate until rail services resume on Sunday.

Passenger services will resume on the Gawler rail line from 6.25am on Sunday, 12 June. Full timetable information will be available soon at adelaidemetro.com.au.


Quotes

Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis

Upon coming into Government we were determined to do everything we could to get this project completed as quickly as possible so commuters didn’t have to experience yet another delay.

The opening of the Gawler rail line will be a game-changer for the people of the northern suburbs – who have been catching substitute buses for almost a year and a half.

Finally, the train to the north will be back and these extremely patient South Australians can get back to catching the train.

We recognise that the prolonged closure of the Gawler rail line has been extremely inconvenient, but commuters will soon be enjoying a smoother, quieter journey.

A number of stations along the Gawler rail line have also been refreshed to provide a better experience for commuters using the train services.