Timeframes confirmed for SA's Gawler Rail electrification

Timeframes confirmed for SA’s Gawler Rail electrification

Timeframes confirmed for final stages of Gawler Rail Electrification Project — Image courtesy of the South Australian Government.

Critical testing is underway on the Gawler Rail Line in South Australia, as the electrification project enters its final stages, with services expected to commence in April.

The Australian and South Australian governments are jointly funding the electrification and modernisation of the Gawler rail line to deliver a faster, cleaner and more reliable service, delivering an electrified network through Adelaide from Gawler to Seaford.

The works are set to deliver clean and green high performance trains delivering an improved customer experience; better reliability and safety; and encourage people to take public transport and leave their cars at home.

The Gawler Rail Electrification Project (GREP) was hit with unavoidable setbacks in 2021 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic including an inability to bring the required number of highly specialised workers across the border from interstate and manufacturing shutdowns during extended lockdowns in other states.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the commissioning activities of the signalling system will require impacts to the entire Adelaide Metro Network during the period 18-21 February, with all lines closed on 19 and 20 February.

“The rail infrastructure is nearing completion as we access the specialised skills we need for the final stages of commissioning. We will then move into the final signalling and electrical testing phases, before undertaking driver training,” he said.

“This testing and training will include both diesel and electric trains operating along the new corridor, to familiarise drivers with the new line.”

Passenger rail services are expected to be commencing in April 2022.

For more information on the project, click here.