Flinders Link: 2026 Construction Progress

Adelaide’s Flinders Link railway project is complete! The 650m extension boosts connectivity to Flinders Medical Centre and University.

Flinders Link: 2026 Construction Progress
January 14, 2021 3:00 pm
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Project Profile: Flinders Link Rail Extension

The Flinders Link Project is a critical rail infrastructure enhancement in Adelaide, South Australia, providing direct connectivity to the Flinders health and education precinct. The project involved a 650-metre extension of the Tonsley rail line, culminating in an elevated viaduct and the new Flinders railway station. This development integrates the Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University with Adelaide’s primary metropolitan rail network.

AttributeDetails
Project NameFlinders Link Project
LocationAdelaide, South Australia
Infrastructure TypeSingle-track broad gauge rail extension
Length650m rail extension (including a 520m elevated viaduct)
Estimated CostA$141 million
StatusOperational (Completed December 2020)
Key ContractorsGateway South (Fulton Hogan & Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture)

Technical Specifications

The core of the Flinders Link project is the 520-metre elevated viaduct designed to traverse complex urban geography, including Sturt Road and Main South Road. This structure required the fabrication and installation of twenty specialised steel girders, each ranging from 30 to 50 metres in length. The single-track extension terminates at the newly constructed Flinders station, positioned adjacent to the Flinders Medical Centre. The station features a 150-metre canopy, modern passenger information displays, and integrated bicycle facilities. A significant design feature is the fully enclosed, wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and cycling path running adjacent to the viaduct, ensuring safe, multimodal access. The project also included the decommissioning of the former Clovelly Park station and its replacement with the modern Tonsley station, which serves as a key interchange on the updated line.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic Economic Connectivity: The project directly links Adelaide’s CBD with the Flinders precinct, a major hub for health, education, and research, unlocking significant economic and social opportunities for the region.
  • Innovative Engineering Solutions: The use of an elevated viaduct with prefabricated components, such as modular anti-throw screens and advanced edge protection systems, demonstrated efficient and cost-effective construction methods for complex urban environments.
  • Integrated Multimodal Transport: By co-locating a dedicated pedestrian and cycling path with the rail infrastructure, the project promotes active transport and provides a template for holistic, sustainable urban mobility planning.

FAQ

When did the Flinders Link rail line open?
The Flinders Link rail line and the new Flinders station officially opened for public service in December 2020, providing a direct connection between the Adelaide CBD and the Flinders precinct.
Who built the Flinders Link project?
The Flinders Link project was designed and constructed by Gateway South, which is a joint venture between leading infrastructure firms Fulton Hogan and Laing O’Rourke. Numerous specialist suppliers and subcontractors, including ProManage and Specialized Solutions, were integral to the project’s delivery.