Frequently Asked Questions

The State Government has committed to spend $7 million dollars for the new Oaklands Transport Interchange to provide high quality public transport infrastructure with an emphasis on comfort, access, safety and security for all users.

Oaklands Railway Station is in a state of advanced dilapidation. Passenger facilities at the Station are rudimentary. Lighting and security are inadequate, and passenger safety has been raised as a key public concern. The pedestrian underpass, in particular has been raised as a safety and security concern. The facilities do not comply with the majority of the requirements of the Commonwealth Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. Car parking areas on the northern side of the station are unsuitable.

The new facility will provide:

A new train station with associated bus interchange areas on Morphett Road
A Park'n'Ride facility for more than 230 cars
Kiss'n'Ride zone for car passengers
New facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, including a new pedestrian crossing on the southern side of the rail line for pedestrians to safely cross Morphett Road
Automated pedestrian gates to cross the tracks at the level crossing and either end of the station platforms
Facilities that enhance the safety and security of passengers such as security cameras, duress alarms and increased lighting
Other general passenger facilities including real time passenger information and a ticket sales kiosk

Existing bus and train services at Oaklands Station are uncoordinated and connections are poor. With the construction of the Interchange, the potential exists to improve connectivity between train and bus services and local facilities including the Warradale shopping precinct, the Marion Westfield Centre, the Marion Health Village and the proposed State Aquatic Centre

2. When are the traffic management issues surrounding Diagonal/Morphett Rd Level crossing going to be dealt with, and how will the Interchange impact on traffic management at the crossing?

The Interchange project is not intended as a solution to the traffic management issues surrounding the Morphett Road level crossing. Nonetheless, it is recognised that improvement of traffic management at this location is a key inter-related issue.

Since 1970 the road network in the vicinity of the level crossing has been the subject of a number of studies and improvements to increase safety and reduce congestion at the intersection of Morphett Road, Diagonal Road and the Noarlunga passenger railway line.

The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has identified that potential at-grade improvements to the existing roads will cater for the expected traffic growth in the short to medium term, with long term consideration being given to a grade separation at the railway line.

At-grade improvements will allow for integration with current and proposed future land uses in the Warradale/Oaklands Park area, including the new Interchange and the proposed State Aquatic Centre.

Planning for the Interchange will ensure that future land requirements associated with the potential at-grade road improvements or the longer term grade separation are not compromised.

There is currently no commitment to funding or timing of any road improvements at this location by the State Government.

3. Which trees are being removed, and Why?

The rail corridor at Oaklands Park contains a number of trees, many of which are defined as Significant under the State’s Development Act. As part of the planning processes for the Interchange project, TransAdelaide engaged an independent Arborist to investigate the condition and safety of vegetation within the rail corridor and surrounds at Oaklands Park and to develop long term vegetation and habitat management plans for the station site. This investigation also considered the findings of a number of previous investigations into the health of the site vegetation.

This investigation has resulted in a number of findings and recommendations being made, including the necessary removal of up to 66 trees of the 230 comprising the vegetation corridor within the site and surrounds because they pose a threat to public safety. 15 further trees are recommended for removal as they are dead stumps or noxious/weed species.

TransAdelaide does not want to risk any person being injured or killed by falling limbs and trees. In the last few months a number of substantial limbs have fallen from trees.

The Minister for Transport, Hon Patrick Conlon MP gave an undertaking that no significant trees will be removed to make way for the interchange, unless they are likely to pose a threat to public safety.

The Minister has given a further commitment to the local community that should any land within the corridor be sold, trees would still be protected through the use of a land management deed and an encumbrance on the land title. The Minister can seek an injunction requiring any purchaser to comply with their obligations under the land management deed.

Further information regarding vegetation management activities at the site may be found by following this link.

4. How will habitat and amenity be maintained along the corridor?

Techniques such as grafting of hollows will ensure habitat is maintained as far as practicable. Any trees removed will be replaced with suitable native plantings and landscaping, consistent with the principles of safe urban landscaping, and the habitat requirements of the corridor. Wherever possible, trees with habitat value (e.g. with active nests) will be retained and habitat management plans implemented.

5. Can the trees be removed in a staged fashion to retain the amenity?

TransAdelaide has a responsibility to act in accordance with the recommendations of the independent experts to remove the risk as soon as practicable. TransAdelaide’s aim is to replace the trees with suitable plantings as soon as possible to encourage wildlife retention.

6. Can TransAdelaide utilise signs and fencing to protect the public and retain the trees?

Due to the size and location of the trees, and the significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic adjacent the station and surrounds it is not practical to fence them in enclosed areas. Signage has been erected at the site however this does not reduce the risk of a branch or tree falling.

Trees remaining on site and new plantings will be protected by barriers to prevent vehicles parking immediately adjacent to trees and damaging their health.

7. Where is the 16,000 m2 of surplus government land located?

When originally announced as part of the State Infrastructure Plan the project proposed the sale of up to 16,000m2 of surplus land. This land disposal formed a critical revenue component of the project’s funding. The local community raised concerns with TransAdelaide in relation to this significant disposal of land, and an undertaking was given to review this proposal.

An analysis of available land has been undertaken, in conjunction with a current valuation, and it has been determined that significantly less land can be offered for sale. Three areas are proposed for sale; TransAdelaide land in the south east corner of the corridor (the old nursery site), part of the Commissioner of Highways land on the corner of Morphett Road and Diagonal Road (behind Bi-Lo), and part of the Commissioner of Highways land between Addison Road and the tracks on the western side of Morphett Road. A map can be viewed by clicking here

None of the sites proposed for sale are currently occupied.

8. If any surplus land does become available, how will the land be developed?

Urban design and amenity issues relating to the rail corridor and surrounding environs are key issues for the local community, and these issues will be considered carefully in determining suitable future land use for the area. TransAdelaide will work with key interested parties, including the community, Planning SA and the City of Marion to determine appropriate land use for any surplus land that may become available.

9. What is the program for the construction of the Interchange?

Construction is currently scheduled to commence in May and is expected to take approximately ten months.

10. How will residents immediately facing and adjacent to the station be protected from noise, vandalism and light?

TransAdelaide will be consulting with key parties to ensure that impacts to amenity resulting from the construction and operation of the Interchange are minimised and managed effectively. A thorough planning process will be undertaken to address the impact of issues such as noise, light and vandalism.

Plans to address issues such as environmental concerns such as light spill and noise abatement will be submitted to the Development Assessment Commission and the Environment Protection Authority for consideration as part of the approval process for the project.

11. How will the stormwater runoff from the new Interchange and its car parks be treated?

All design carried out for the new Interchange and car parks will be in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and best environmental practices. Stormwater will be treated on site and utilised to water landscaping. In exceptional rain events some excess stormwater will be distributed to the stormwater network. Proposed stormwater treatment practices will be submitted to the Development Assessment Commission for consideration as part of the approval process for the project.

12. What security and safety features will there be to protect transport users?

Lighting, safety and security is a priority and will be incorporated into the design and construction of the Interchange and environs in consultation with South Australia Police and Police Security Services Branch.

Closed circuit television cameras and a duress alarm system will be installed. Lighting for the facility also will be enhanced. Direct sight lines through the station and surrounds will also enhance passenger safety.

13. Are any new bus routes proposed, and will there be buses running along Diagonal Way and Crozier Terrace?

Current bus routes will service the interchange. Connectivity will be provided via fully indented bus bays on Morphett Road. No bus routes will be redirected through local roads.

14. Will buses entering and exiting the Interchange be crossing against the traffic on Morphett Road?

Passengers will board and disembark buses in the bus bays on Morphett Road. Buses will not turn across traffic on Morphett Road.

It is proposed to route south-bound buses along Morphett Road through the Marion Domain precinct to avoid the need to cross traffic turning left into Diagonal Road. They will return to Morphett Road from Milham Street.

15. Will there be any road alignment changes along Crozier Terrace to accommodate expected additional traffic?

TransAdelaide will consult with the City of Marion and the local community to determine the need for traffic calming devices or road re-alignment along Crozier Terrace.

16. Will the current car park on Murray Terrace and Crozier Terrace be closed?

Car parking on Crozier Terrace and Murray Terrace will be upgraded and enhanced with the addition of extra parking places.

17. What safety improvements will be incorporated into the interchange for pedestrians crossing the tracks?

Existing pedestrian maze track crossings will be replaced with state-of-the-art electronic pedestrian gates. These gates are activated at the same time as the boom gates, and will be similar in design to those installed at Park Terrace, Salisbury and Hove Station and Brighton Road.

The pedestrian underpass will be filled and closed.

18. Will there be an extra railway siding to accommodate broken down trains or other emergencies as exists now?

Options for provision of additional rail infrastructure to provide for flexible operation of trains at the site are currently being considered.

19. Will there be signs at the station directing people to Westfield Marion and the Warradale shopping precinct?

There is opportunity to erect signs directing people to key local sites. These issues will be considered during the detailed planning and design process for the Interchange.

20. Will there be a name change to Oaklands Station?

The station will remain Oaklands, and will become the Oaklands Interchange.

21. Will Warradale Station close down?

No station closures are proposed or being considered.

22. Will there be any night work and how often is this likely to occur?

TransAdelaide will be consulting with interested parties to ensure that impacts resulting from the construction of the Interchange are minimised and managed effectively. The construction staging methodology for the project is yet to be generated. If night works are essential, they can only be undertaken within the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act.

23. Did Westfield Marion instigate the new Bus Rail Interchange and relocation of the Station?

No private organisations were involved in the initiation of the project.

24. Why not run a mini-bus shuttle service from the station to Westfield?

Provision has been made in the design for inclusion of shuttle bus parking and waiting areas.

25. Is this ‘moving of the station’ part of a comprehensive plan for the whole precinct?

The City of Marion has been developing an overall long-term plan for the precinct, linking the Warradale shopping precinct, the Oaklands rail station, the Marion Domain, the proposed State Aquatic Centre and Westfield Marion. When the plans for the new station are finalised, the City of Marion will complete proposals for the wider precinct as the basis for further consultation.

26. Will the community be kept informed of updated information throughout the life of the project?

The State Government is committed to keeping the community and interested parties up to date with the latest project information as it becomes available, and encourages input and feedback throughout the duration of the project.

For further information please follow the attached link. Information on this website will be updated during the life of the project.

27. How will the Interchange provide access for the needs of people with disabilities?

Access for people with disabilities is a key consideration in the planning and design of the project and will be one of the major benefits of the new Interchange.

All facilities including access ramps, pedestrian gates, platforms and waiting areas of the Interchange will comply with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. The State Government will be working closely with relevant user groups about access issues to gain feedback throughout the project.

28. How will passengers who are walking or cycling to the Interchange be catered for?

The Interchange will integrate and incorporate safe, accessible and convenient movements for passengers walking or cycling to the Interchange, as well as passengers transferring from and between train, bus or car. This will be achieved through:

Increased lighting and security in the area;
New pedestrian crossing facilities on Morphett Road;
Automated pedestrian gates across the rail tracks;
Bicycle lockers at the train station;

The State Government recognises the importance of providing safe pedestrian and cycling access to the interchange, particularly across the railway tracks and Morphett Road.

29. During construction of the new interchange, will train services continue to operate as normal?

There will be some disruption to weekend services due to the nature of construction works and the need to ensure the safety of construction workers. There is no planned disruption to weekday services.

30. Will passengers be impacted by construction and demolition works? How will asbestos be managed?

TransAdelaide will work with the construction contractor to ensure that the impact of any construction work on passengers is minimised. TransAdelaide will keep station passengers fully informed of any potential impacts. Asbestos removal will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act.

31. Has any consideration been given to traffic management during construction of the new interchange?

TransAdelaide will consult with the construction contractor and the City of Marion to coordinate the movement of local traffic, including at the level crossing, to minimise disruption during construction.