Seaford rail extension: expanding the rail network through innovation

The Seaford Rail Extension is a fundamental component of the South Australian Governmentrs 10-year plan to revitalise Adelaiders passenger transport system. The project, funded by the Australian Government under its Nation Building Program, had to meet the tight timeframes and financial conditions associated with the funding. Being the first major upgrade of Adelaiders rail network in nearly 40 years, the project delivered a number of South Australian and national lfirstsr and will significantly improve the public transport rail network servicing the community in the rapidly expanding southern suburbs of Adelaide well into the future. The project included a 5.7 kilometre extension of the dual track line from the existing Noarlunga Centre Interchange to the Seaford District Centre, introducing two new stations with park and ride facilities, a commissioning and stabling depot for the new electric multiple unit (EMU) railcars and associated infrastructure. The crossing of the environmentally sensitive Onkaparinga River estuary required one of Australiars longest rail bridges. The project necessitated innovative design and construction methods and is an outstanding addition to Adelaiders passenger rail network, allowing the testing of new EMUs to commence in August 2013 and passenger services in February 2014.