Discussion: Development of Adelaide Railyards

[tstaylor]

So why can't the inter-state trains come back to Adelaide station? Just because the gauge? Come on!! How hard is it to lay some track for God's sake and if the platform isn't long enough, extend it!

Surely this can be retro-fitted. Seems as though we constantly focus on the problems and not the solutions.

This should have been done years ago, and if they are looking at upgrading the rail yards now they should surely look at changing the guages on some of those tracks to accomadate the interstate trains

[Will409]

There is far more work needed to get interstate trains back into the Terrace station. Not only do they need to change the gauge of the track from broad to standard guage but things like track access by GSR over TransAdelaide lines but signalling, platform length (the current Adelaide platforms are simply too short for GSR trains and even Keswick platforms are too short for a full length Ghan) and finally, the fact that all our platforms are dead end so a large amount of shunting will need to be done which could disrupt suburban services on the limited amount of yard space we have. Until 1985, Adelaide Railway Station had 13 platforms and the longest (platform 11) stretched passed Morphett Street Bridge into the yard and was used for the Overland. In 1985, the current 9 platforms were installed.

[Ho Really]

...Until 1985, Adelaide Railway Station had 13 platforms and the longest (platform 11) stretched passed Morphett Street Bridge into the yard and was used for the Overland. In 1985, the current 9 platforms were installed.

And oh what a sight it was with platform 11 way past Morphett Street Bridge! In those days Adelaide Railway Station looked like a station...pity things have had to change.

Although sentimentally we would like to see interstate trains back at Adelaide, we know that's impractible. I have said this before, Keswick has to be upgraded into something special, the whole area around it has to.

Cheers

[baytram366]

Does anyone have any photos of when interstate trains used the Adelaide Station?

[Shuz]

Why did they reduce the number of platforms?

[Cruise]

Was it something to do with the adelaide convention centre?

[Tom]

Will409 is right about having 13 platforms, but when the station was built it was designed to have up to 20 platforms should the need be there at some stage. The ASER project has Adelaide station up, It is now a cave of overcrowded platforms disel fumes and no room to expand.

[Ho Really]

Does anyone have any photos of when interstate trains used the Adelaide Station?

Not sure but I would think the State Library would have some.

Cheer

[Düsseldorfer]

Will409 is right about having 13 platforms, but when the station was built it was designed to have up to 20 platforms should the need be there at some stage. The ASER project has Adelaide station up, It is now a cave of overcrowded platforms disel fumes and no room to expand.

Unless a new one is built. Adelaide is lacking something that qualifies as a grand central station. I don't think Keswick Terminal qualifies as "grand", "central" or a "station". The current one under sky-city in my opinion is a lost cause, its just pathetic, and smells of donuts (that i don't mind so much)...

Where could we build a new central station that is: A, close to the city (but not underground and not too far away), B, has a central station feel (with european style canopy) and C, with Suburban trains and country trains all together??

[Ho Really]

Will409 is right about having 13 platforms, but when the station was built it was designed to have up to 20 platforms should the need be there at some stage.

Actually we should say it had 13 tracks. That's probably easier to understand.

The ASER project has Adelaide station up, It is now a cave of overcrowded platforms disel fumes and no room to expand.

Till this day I don't understand why they couldn't design ASER differently and keep those four tracks. It was that bloody ramp to the Hyatt, the addition of the Riverside office building and car park under the Exhibition Centre that stuffed things up.

Cheers

[Norman]

I heard that the Keswick Rail Terminal is being upgraded... is this true?

[crawf]

Though if the Port Adelaide/Grange Line is replaced with light rail, wouldn't that free up a platform or two?

While I still think it was a massive mistake relocating the interstate railway terminal to Keswick, however the Keswick area is going to be much better in a few years time thanks to the Keswick Terminal Redevelopment and World Park. Which will bring new investment into the area.

[bmw boy]

I thought the owners had announced a measley $1million upgrade if I recall correctly?

[rhino]

I heard that the Keswick Rail Terminal is being upgraded... is this true?

Keswick has undergone a paint makeover at least. I don't know if it has gone any further.

Actually I don't think there is anything wrong with the Keswick site that can't be fixed. It makes sense to have the interstate terminal in a place where there is room for long platforms, trains entering from both north and south, room to store railcars, service locos, and everything else that is required from an interstate rail terminal. Unfortunately there is still a lot to be done, like make rail connections to Adelaide easy and frequent, and giving the place the feel of a major station. This is all achievable, it just needs to be done.

[Dave_The_Planner]

Would it not be feasible to integrate the metro station with the interstate station at Keswick? Something in the order of Spencer Street in Melbourne?

Both train services should be able to operate from a single station.