Belair Railway Line - Resleepering

Resleepering

In the 2008/09 State Budget, re-sleepering of the line was announced. Electrification is not planned for the line in the near future due to extra engineering work and complications with the standard gauge line. However, the new concrete sleepers and rail will provide a smoother and faster trip for commuters using the line.

The project has been named "the Belair Line Renewal". The rail line closed on 26 April 2009 and reopened on 23 August 2009. During this shutdown, the following works occurred:

• upgrading the track formation and ballast;
• improving drainage;
• improving the track geometry and alignment within the existing corridor; and
• installing over 20,000 new gauge-convertible concrete sleepers and new rail.

A substitute bus service, B1 operated during the closure, covering all railway stations between Goodwood and Belair, then express between Greenhill Road and Government House.

According to the Belair Line Renewal web page, "The substitute bus service is unable to cater for bicycles. A separate arrangement has been made in collaboration with Bicycle SA for a temporary bicycle trailer service to be offered on a trial basis for the first month. Continuation of the service beyond this time will be based on the demand and benefits of the service. The dedicated trailer service for cyclists will be operated by Bicycle SA and will use a bicycle trailer capable of holding up to 11 bikes at any one time. It will transport bicycles (and their riders) up the hill from Mitcham station to the Belair triangle each week night from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm and on weekends between 10 am and 4 pm." Cyclists will need to make their own way south from the city to Mitcham, and again south from Belair. There is no service for northbound cyclists.