Construction companies interested in building the $291 million Noarlunga to Seaford rail extension have until 19 November to register with the South Australian Government.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and South Australian Transport Minister Patrick Conlon said the call for ‘expressions of interest’ is another major milestone towards the start of construction in mid 2010.

“We have come a long way in the short time since we first announced funding for the project in this year’s Federal Budget, and I congratulate the South Australian Government for moving so quickly,” said Mr Albanese.

“As well as significantly improving public transport services for residents of Adelaide’s rapidly growing southern suburbs, the extension of the rail line will support up to 400 construction jobs.

“Projects like this strengthen our nation’s transport infrastructure in a way that will leave lasting benefits in our communities, making them better places to live and work.”

Following the completion of the ‘expressions of interest’ process in November, a formal tendering process will be conducted early next year. In the meantime work is continuing on the necessary planning, design and environmental assessment study.

Mr Conlon said the project is critical to servicing the southern suburbs’ growing population.

“This project will provide much needed access to public transport for these residents and complements a wider plan by the South Australian Government to improve and modernise public transport in Adelaide,” said Mr Conlon.

“Providing a rail service to the Seaford District Centre is expected to significantly reduce public transport travel times on a trip to Adelaide.”

Key features of the Noarlunga to Seaford Rail Extension project include:

• A 5.5 kilometre extension of the existing dual track rail line;


• A bus/train interchange at Seaford and a Park n Ride facility at Seaford Meadows;


• A 1.2 kilometre rail viaduct over the Onkaparinga River;


• Road bridges over the rail track at Goldsmith Drive, Seaford Road and Lynton Terrace; and


• New access pathways and footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists.

Construction is expected to start mid-2010 with electric train services to be operating from 2013, in line with the completion of the Noarlunga line electrification.