No sign of signalling yet.

If there is it must be deliberately hidden.

The Belair line can't start without it.

I will be able to almost shake hands with the Millswood loop on Saturday so will report then.

Regards
Ian

The rate they are going at they might as well reopen the Belair Line at the same time as the Noarlunga Line

No sign of signalling yet.

If there is it must be deliberately hidden.

The Belair line can't start without it.

I will be able to almost shake hands with the Millswood loop on Saturday so will report then.

Regards
Ian

The Belair line platform at Goodwood was still a major construction zone when I went past a few days ago, especially around the big gap where it was demolished for the Brownhill Creek culvert, and doesn't look fit for service. If the line reopens in the next week or two I would guess the trains would not stop there, and on a "passengers for Goodwood use front car only" basis if they did.

My guess is that the notices to staff about the line resuming from July 1 were an each way bet on the line being ready, and that Torrens Transit were also told to be prepared for substitute bus operation to be extended. I would say that the complete silence from Adelaide Metro to the public indicates it is not likely to be opening next week, if they had that good news ready I can't see any reason that they would withhold it.

A technical question though - I know that the Millswood loop being in service is necessary for the full timetable to be operated, but could the line be operated without any signals there if the points are locked out of use, kind of like the situation at Elizabeth? That could be useful for allowing a couple of test runs to be done on the section beyond Millswood while that signalling work is still pending, to scrub off the surface rust and check all the track circuits are functioning properly with the level crossings manned for safety and done one or two at a time.

No sign of signalling yet.

If there is it must be deliberately hidden.

The Belair line can't start without it.

I will be able to almost shake hands with the Millswood loop on Saturday so will report then.

Regards
Ian

Ian,
There has been quite a bit of activity this week in installing cables into the new shiny signalling cabinets that were in position last week from Mile End through to Millswood.  Main cables were pulled this week into cabinets at Keswick Bridge and at Goodwood Stn.  The local cabling to the pointwork at Mile End and Leader Street was being installed this week.  The Leader St level crossing ARTC track circuits were also being worked on and new track circuit junction boxes have appeared on the bridge over the Brownhill Ck south of Victoria St.  Signal gantry foundations and cabling pits were being located at the south end of Millswood loop.  However as yet no new signals have appeared between Keswick and Millswood.

The Platform 3/4 island at Goodwood is currently being infilled and resurfaced over the new culvert and at the cut-away south end.

Signal Cabinet, S of Keswick Bridge


Cable pit, Keswick


Wheel detector, Mile End


Spare signal 233, could it be relocated from the Gaol Loop at Mile End Stn to Goodwood or Wayville?


AlexC

Thanks Alex.

I not having a dig just reporting what I see. A heck of a lot has been done and done well.

I would say restoration of Belair services on 1 July is highly optimistic.

I suppose we could go to pilots, points men at switchstands and train orders, etc; I think not.
First Sunday in August would be more likely.

Ian

Thanks Alex.

I not having a dig just reporting what I see. A heck of a lot has been done and done well.

I would say restoration of Belair services on 1 July is highly optimistic.

I suppose we could go to pilots, points men at switchstands and train orders, etc; I think not.
First Sunday in August would be more likely.

Ian

At least some of the Belair line regular commuters have been told while using the substitute buses recently that the magic date is July 14th.  One would think even that would be a push as presumably the rail drivers would need to learn the new track if not restore currency on the whole line, especially if so much infrastructure work remains.

Also the consultative group have supposedly been told by the govt rep that operations will resume with the existing timetable which may be at odds with the closure of the Belair depot.

Richard.

From the Adelaide Now website story http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/delays-repairs-as-sections-of-adelaide8217s-obahn-track-are-on-the-move/story-e6frea83-1226672187503
"... and resumption of Belair rail services from July 14.
Transport Services Minister Chloe Fox said substitute bus services on the Belair line would end with the last service on Saturday, July 13."

Good luck for 14 July!

The footings are in for signals at the up end of Millswood loop but no masts or gantries.

I guess 14 July is just do-able but it will be tight, not much time for testing and shaking down
There have been significant track and signalling changes all the way from the ARS buffers to the down end of Millswood.

I will not eat my hat if they pull it off but I will raise it to the team.

BTW, work has started on rebuilding the track in the section between the Underpass and East Ave. I guess East Avenue LX will be closed one weekend soon.

Ian

Woo no more B1

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/east-hills/belair-rail-line-to-reopen-transport-minister-chloe-fox-announces/story-fni9lkyu-1226672441341

"THE Belair rail line will reopen on July 14, after more than six months of closure.

Transport Minister Chloe Fox announced today the rail line timetable would be updated with trains travelling every 15 minutes between Blackwood and Adelaide and extra services in the morning and evenings.

The line has been closed since January, forcing commuters to catch substitute buses and use a bicycle trailer service while works to separate the freight and commuter lines were completed.

Substitute bus services will end on Saturday, July 13. "Commuters on the Belair line - your patience has been appreciated," Ms Fox said. "The reopening of the Belair line marks another major step in the modernisation of Adelaide's rail network."

For more information: Adelaide Metro Infoline on 1300 311 108 or visit http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au

Trains every 15 minutes between Blackwood and Adelaide might be interesting.

Belair Line timetable effective July 14th

http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/var/metro/storage/original/application/f1a4f3cb3f65646a61e97b8487b8f8c5.pdf

Here's some news we hadn't expected - from the InDaily, July 1.




The infrastructure work is also being sold as productivity-boosting because it will allow longer freight trains to run on the line."

They've got all that straight then!!

Transport Minister Chloe Fox announced today the rail line timetable would be updated with trains travelling every 15 minutes between Blackwood and Adelaide and extra services in the morning and evenings.

Trains every 15 minutes between Blackwood and Adelaide might be interesting.

And the new timetable shows a half hourly service with 15 minute service during peak hours (to Blackwood only) and hourly in the evenings and all day on weekends!

Here's some news we hadn't expected - from the InDaily, July 1.

"The underpass will also allow freight trains on the Noarlunga line to run at full speed. The Government says this will stop lengthy delays – which can be between five and 16 minutes – at rail crossings on Cross and Torrens roads.

The infrastructure work is also being sold as productivity-boosting because it will allow longer freight trains to run on the line."

They've got all that straight then!!

That is all correct actually, apart from the one slipup which referred to the former Noarlunga line instead of the Melbourne line.

The reference to Torrens Road is correct, the underpass replacing Goodwood Junction only being part of the 50% Federally-funded project which also includes the replacement of Torrens Junction with an underpass and the grade separation of Leader Street - although there's little sign that the state government will commit to finish the job properly. If it gets completed, 1800m trains will be able to use the line heading south as they will no longer be restricted by the roughly 1550 metre distance between Torrens Road and the signal before the junction.

That is all correct actually, apart from the one slipup which referred to the former Noarlunga line instead of the Melbourne line.

The reference to Torrens Road is correct, the underpass replacing Goodwood Junction only being part of the 50% Federally-funded project which also includes the replacement of Torrens Junction with an underpass and the grade separation of Leader Street - although there's little sign that the state government will commit to finish the job properly. If it gets completed, 1800m trains will be able to use the line heading south as they will no longer be restricted by the roughly 1550 metre distance between Torrens Road and the signal before the junction.

There is Hawker Street to take into account, too.   Even a passenger train unless it is very short, which GSR's aren't, won't fit between it and Torrens Junction.

There is Hawker Street to take into account, too.   Even a passenger train unless it is very short, which GSR's aren't, won't fit between it and Torrens Junction.

GSR run long passenger trains, but not so long to not fit in the kilometre between there and the junction.

Hawker Street is very close to two alternative crossings which can be used if the crossing is closed (the Park Terrace overpass and Torrens Road) and if it were not used by some of the local bus routes it would be a very fair candidate for closing the level crossing or closing the connection to Park Terrace and leave it active as just a local street.

Now we are completely off topic.

The Torrens Road problem could be "solved" with a road over bridge at Torrens Road. The road layout suits it, the topography suits it, there is no property in the way and the Pub used to be called the "Overway Tavern" in anticipation.

It's a no brainer, but then who expected brains to be applied, oops this is SA.

Shall we talk about Noarlunga?

Ian

Just noticed today it didn't take them long but some of the masts near Oaklands Park have already been graffitied on. Also saw some workers and a crane on daws road bridge I didnt see any masts being erected but it looks like its preparation for them though.

Just noticed today it didn't take them long but some of the masts near Oaklands Park have already been graffitied on. Also saw some workers and a crane on daws road bridge I didnt see any masts being erected but it looks like its preparation for them though.

The ones along Lonsdale Highway gained graffiti a few weeks ago too

The ones along Lonsdale Highway gained graffiti a few weeks ago too

Copper theft is a much worse issue with electric trains; there are plenty of obstacles to theft by the looks of some of the pictures, which is a really good thing given the extremely high voltages involved. A bit of scribble on a concrete/galvanised pole is always to be expected.

That is all correct actually, apart from the one slipup which referred to the former Noarlunga line instead of the Melbourne line.

The reference to Torrens Road is correct, the underpass replacing Goodwood Junction only being part of the 50% Federally-funded project which also includes the replacement of Torrens Junction with an underpass and the grade separation of Leader Street - although there's little sign that the state government will commit to finish the job properly. If it gets completed, 1800m trains will be able to use the line heading south as they will no longer be restricted by the roughly 1550 metre distance between Torrens Road and the signal before the junction.

I do beg to differ justapassenger.  This was a news item about the re-opening of the Belair line and about one specific underpass that is nearing completion.  It was most certainly not about the Torrens jucntion underpass that is planned but not even commissioned yet.  Torrens Road has nothing to do with the re-opening of the Belair line.  Nor, do I believe, has the length of trains.

In my opinion it was very sloppy reporting - and misleading.

I do beg to differ justapassenger.  This was a news item about the re-opening of the Belair line and about one specific underpass that is nearing completion.  It was most certainly not about the Torrens jucntion underpass that is planned but not even commissioned yet.  Torrens Road has nothing to do with the re-opening of the Belair line.  Nor, do I believe, has the length of trains.

In my opinion it was very sloppy reporting - and misleading.

I think the wider context of the whole project is extremely important, it's a good reminder to commuters that there was a good reason that they were shuffled around like pawns for over half a year for no gain to their route whatsoever.

Following up implications and looking deeper is what distinguishes proper journalism from the plain copying of press releases you would expect from the Murdoch-Rinehart duopoly. Unfortunately they just made one small slip which the majority of people wouldn't even notice thanks to there being more than enough other context to overrule it.

I think the wider context of the whole project is extremely important, it's a good reminder to commuters that there was a good reason that they were shuffled around like pawns for over half a year for no gain to their route whatsoever.

Following up implications and looking deeper is what distinguishes proper journalism from the plain copying of press releases you would expect from the Murdoch-Rinehart duopoly. Unfortunately they just made one small slip which the majority of people wouldn't even notice thanks to there being more than enough other context to overrule it.

That particular report made no attempt to give a context.  It simply added information without any attempt to demonstrate the connections to the rest of the report.  I stand by what I wrote above: it was sloppy reporting and misleading.

And I stand by what I wrote as well. Cross out Noarlunga and write Melbourne instead and it turns into a quite good article.

You might find the Advertiser a little more suitable for your critical reading ability, or if that's too hard you could watch Fox News.

And I stand by what I wrote as well. Cross out Noarlunga and write Melbourne instead and it turns into a quite good article.

You might find the Advertiser a little more suitable for your critical reading ability, or if that's too hard you could watch Fox News.

Thank you for your uncalled-for patronising advice.  I'll stick with Guardian Australia.

Thank you for your uncalled-for patronising advice.  I'll stick with Guardian Australia.

Keep us posted as to when they do an accurate and relevant article on the Adelaide network...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/search?q=Adelaide+railway&section=&date=date%2Flast30days