PRO: Port Adelaide Tramline | $260m

[AtD]

You're going to have to wait for the announcement like the rest of us.

[omada]

I'm not really "with it" in terms of the pros and cons of light v heavy rail systems, but i don't understand why this plan is worth it if they are simply using the existing route, shouldn't they focus on electrification of our rail system instead?? and for starters extend the tram system within Adelaide and North Adelaide ???? I'm sure one of you guys will explain this to me

[muzzamo]

Basically the tram has the advantage of running on city streets but the disadvantage of not being able to carry as many people.

The outer harbor line is easily the least patronized line, I would take a guess and say that even though it is heavy rail it would be used less than the glenelg tram line.

Port Adelaide is currently undertaking an urban renewal and a Tram is able to cut straight through the middle of the area instead of sticking to the rail corridor.

The government needs to electrify the entire network anyway, chances are the rest of the lines will be electrified (heavy rail) once the new sleepers are in place.

Outer harbor already has new concrete sleepers and can be converted without resleepering but the rest of the lines are not in this state. They are not suitable for light rail anyway though.

Also buying new trams and running them down this line would give the government the opportunity to buy a fleet of larger Trams, reducing overcrowding on the Glenelg line. It would also free up more trains for the other lines because lets face it full electrification and new rolling stock could be about 10 years away.

The new Tram line would make effective use of the North Terrace/King William Street infrastructure that they have already invested in.

In terms of transport connections coming from Port Adelaide you would be able to connect with busses and Trains in the city, then trains at goodwood, busses again at South Road at the new overpass, or travel all the way through to glenelg.

The new line would also have the potential to be extended to west lakes/football park easily.

[cruel_world00]

Just on the Port's urban renewal, there is so much potential down at their and adding a tram would definitely act as a catalyst for development on Commercial road and that one that connects to it near the Fishman's markets.

[bm7500]

Here is a map of Port Road (see below) and you can see the existing train line. In reality, i dont see them building a new line down the centre of port road for a few reasons;

Firstly, they would need to make provision for a tram crossing at EVERY break in the median strip..... thats a LOT of crossing lights or traffic lights
Secondly, if you go for a drive down Port Rd you will see that there is quite a lot of infrastructure slap bang in the middle of the median strip. This includes tennis courts & club rooms, The Vietnam memorial, a rotunda etc etc.
Thirdly, most of the car parking in the centre of Port Road would have to be removed. Can you imagine the stink that will cause with Port Rd businesses!

My money is on the existing Adelaide To Port line being converted for use as light rail in addition to existing heavy rail

[Norman]

I just wanted to quickly point out that the Port Line would be about the same length of the Glenelg line... about 12km.

[Düsseldorfer]

Here is a map of Port Road (see below) and you can see the existing train line. In reality, i dont see them building a new line down the centre of port road...

My money is on the existing Adelaide To Port line being converted for use as light rail in addition to existing heavy rail

would be a bit odd in anywhere else in the world, imagine a Melbourne Tram service running to Frankston along the current Connex line

Light Rail and Heavy rail should have their own separate tracks, the Port line will either be a Tram or a Train, unless the next trams are something like the high-floor trams in Cologne

[Ho Really]

If this government really, really wants light rail all the way to Port Adelaide in place of what we currently have (heavy rail), I suggest they re-establish the Port Dock railway station. Maybe not where the museum is but adjacent to it. Then from there through Port Adelaide to the new Newport Quays, etc., and onto Sempahore Road to Semaphore. Another option is for the line not to cross Commercial Road by bridge but enter it at ground level. The Outer Harbor line to Port Adelaide would also be converted and join up at Glanville. Of course this will be the pilot for all other heavy to light rail conversions in the metro area. Just a suggestion.

Cheers

[bm7500]

Here is a map of Port Road (see below) and you can see the existing train line. In reality, i dont see them building a new line down the centre of port road...

My money is on the existing Adelaide To Port line being converted for use as light rail in addition to existing heavy rail

would be a bit odd in anywhere else in the world, imagine a Melbourne Tram service running to Frankston along the current Connex line

Light Rail and Heavy rail should have their own separate tracks, the Port line will either be a Tram or a Train, unless the next trams are something like the high-floor trams in Cologne

I should have clarified my comments. The mixed use line refers to the freight trains that currently use this line. ie all passenger services would be light rail eventually.

[muzzamo]

how many freight trains do actually use the line?

[Norman]

None will use the Outer Harbor line once the new bridge is open.

[Cruise]

form the portside messenger little while back:

Tram line push

Adam Todd

26Mar08

UNITED: A tram in the city in October last year. Western councils want a tram line too.

PORT Adelaide Enfield will lead a coalition of western suburbs' councils to push for a tram line from the city to Semaphore and then Outer Harbor.

The CEOs of Holdfast Bay, West Torrens, Charles Sturt and Adelaide City councils will join Port Adelaide Enfield's Harry Wierda to lobby the State Government for the $220 million project.

The idea of a tram replacing the existing Outer Harbor train line, and also running down Semaphore Rd, was first canvassed by Port Adelaide Enfield in 2006.

Mr Wierda said a coalition of councils would have "more clout" than one council going it alone.

"We think we've got a better chance with more involved," he said.

Mr Wierda said the other councils involved also stood to benefit either by having the tram run through their suburbs or via a link to the Glenelg tram line.

He said the CEOs would meet in coming months before holding another meeting with the State Government.

Port Adelaide Enfield has held several meetings with the State Government about a tram since 2006. Both sides have said the meetings were "positive" without decisions being reached.

Transport Minister Pat Conlon told the Portside Messenger the Government was "considering all options for future tram extensions".

However he said any tram extension would likely require funding from councils.

"We are happy to hear what funding contributions the councils are planning to make," he said.

The most recent study undertaken by Port Adelaide Enfield, at a cost of $35,000, called for the Port Adelaide railway station bridge to be demolished and the existing rail line redirected around the eastern side of Port Adelaide, reconnecting on the other side of the Port River at Glanville before running to Outer Harbor via Semaphore Rd.

A new transport interchange also would be built on the corner of Baker and St Vincent streets in Port Adelaide.

[Adamo]

I do not think this should go ahead it all.

besides there already is a rail line serving those commuters. It will be a total waste of money.

The funds should go into a city loop, not just lopping back to victoria square by west tce but also serving the east end of the city.

[skyliner]

I do not think this should go ahead it all.

besides there already is a rail line serving those commuters. It will be a total waste of money.

The funds should go into a city loop, not just lopping back to victoria square by west tce but also serving the east end of the city.

This is by far my preference too mate. Your suggestion is where the demand/population is and it will greatly add to transport efficiency in the city. More clout per dollar spent and cheaper. (if it does not rain - maybe technology will be up to it by then).

The port line is already there and operating passenger services.

ADELAIDE - CITY ON THE MOVE

[Cruise]

here is a picky i made up.



from what i have read this is what believe will be done to the Outer Harbor line

gray line is new track, red line is track that will be removed.