GAWLER commuters can expect a number of partial and total closures of the Gawler rail line for the remainder of 2020, as the track’s electrification works continue.

Closures began this weekend, with the track between Adelaide and Salisbury train stations now closed until Sunday, October 11.

The train will continue to run between Gawler Central and Salisbury stations, but substitute buses will replace the Salisbury to Adelaide leg of the journey.

Line closures are expected to run well into next year, with the final disturbance set to occur for two weeks between September and October, 2021.

Between December 26, 2020 and January 25, 2021, the entire rail line will be closed for one month. In addition, the track between Mawson Lakes interchange and Gawler Central will remain closed until April 9, 2021.

The $615 million Gawler Rail Line Electrification Project got underway this year after more than a decade of discussion.

Transport minister Corey Wingard thanked Gawler train passengers for their patience while the works are being carried out.

“These temporary closures are necessary to deliver the long-awaited electrification of the Gawler rail line, which is supporting around 250 full-time equivalent jobs each year,” he said.

“Substitute buses have been organised to operate as closely as possible to existing train timetables throughout these closure periods.

“The closures are a sign we are achieving great progress on this important project, which forms part of the Marshall Government’s ongoing investment in public transport to deliver faster, safer, more reliable and more comfortable rail services.”

As well as an electrified line, the project will see Gawler’s King Street Bridge replaced and extra carriages will mean commuter capacity is boosted during peak travel times.

“The electrified Gawler line will be a modern, environmentally friendly and efficient train service that will encourage more people to leave the car at home and take public transport,” Mr Wingard said.

“Once complete, the electrified line will support increased capacity and future economic opportunities for development along the rail corridor with projections indicating that up to an extra 1100 commuters from the northern suburbs will be able to catch the train during peak hour.”

Further information on the Gawler Rail Line closures can be found on the Adelaide Metro website.