Ovingham Level Crossing Removal

Separating the rail line from the road (grade separation) at the Torrens Road level crossing will:

• Improve safety for all road users (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians).
• Cut travel times for motorists.
• Increase freight productivity.
• Improve reliability for buses on Torrens Road.
• Improve walkability by creation of new community open space.

The total budget for the Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project is $196million.

Early works started in late 2020, followed by major construction in mid-2021 and project completion anticipated in 2023.

Planning Phase:

Community engagement activities were undertaken during the planning phase of the project during late 2019 / early 2020 to help inform the selection of a preferred design solution, from four options identified as part of the planning study (refer to the factsheet ‘Understanding the different design options’).

During the planning phase, the project team hosted five community information sessions (which were attended by over 150 people), and interviewed key businesses and residents within the project area. In addition, 366 survey responses were received during the planning phase, mostly from local residents and business owners.

This feedback was used, along with technical advice, as part of an options assessment process to inform the selection of a preferred design solution, which was to raise the road over the railway line.

Concept Design:

A second round of community engagement activities were undertaken during the development of an initial concept design, which was made publicly available in July 2020. During August 2020, four community information sessions were hosted to discuss the initial concept design that were attended by over 135 local residents.

An online engagement hub was also launched for the community to access project information and submit questions and feedback to the project team, via an online map and virtual information sessions. These online tools have ensured that engagement with the community has continued during COVID-19 restrictions.

The project team has also met with the Cities of Charles Sturt and Prospect, Kaurna Elders, local schools, businesses and residents associations to discuss the concept design and seek further feedback.

Finalising the Design:

The concept design has been updated and refined based on feedback received and is now available for public viewing on our website: www.DIT.sa.gov.au/OvinghamLXing

It is anticipated that the design will be finalised in early2021.

You can read how community engagement has fed into the design in the factsheet ‘What we Heard’ on the project website.

The State Government has recently announced that Ovingham Railway Station will receive a $10 million upgrade.

For further information on the upgrades to railway stations across metropolitan Adelaide, please visit https://dit.sa.gov.au/

During construction there will be some occasions when a temporary closure of the Gawler Rail Line is required. When this occurs, substitute buses will be in place and will replicate the level of service and frequency of train services as closely as possible.

Once the design is finalised, the construction program will be developed to minimise traffic impacts. Whilst it is likely there will be some traffic impacts, much of the major bridgeworks will be undertaken offline so as to minimise the traffic impacts on Torrens Road.

When there are temporary impacts to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, road users will be notified and signs and traffic controllers will be in place for safety. Road users will also be notified early of any possible impacts to access.