Transport blitz to deliver improvements for Illawarra customers

The NSW Government will build Flinders Railway Station and deliver improvements at four other stations to make public transport a more attractive choice for Illawarra residents, Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward announced today.

The new Flinders Station and projects at Dapto, Albion Park, Wollongong and Gerringong demonstrate the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering improved services as part of the new Transport Access Program, Ms Berejiklian said.

She said the new Flinders Station would improve access to train services for Flinders, Shell Cove and Shellharbour residents. Early estimates indicate an investment of around $39 million will be required.

“This is great news for local residents who will get a train station close to their homes,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The NSW Government is committed to upgrading and improving transport infrastructure in the Illawarra, and this first allocation of the Transport Access Program shows we’re getting on with the job.”

Mr Ward welcomed the announcement, which follows his concerted campaign to have the station built.

“This is great news for our community - Flinders and the surrounding area have experienced rapid growth in the past decade, and this Government is committed to providing improved access to train services for this new community as well as those who already live in the area,” Mr Ward said.

“We are committed to delivering the first class facilities this growing region deserves.

“For too long the local community has been waiting for this important infrastructure to be delivered. The new station will provide modern facilities, including commuter car parking, lift access and CCTV security camera surveillance.”

The new Flinders Station will be modern, safe and accessible. It will include:

• Two platforms and associated platform canopies, elevated footbridge, stairs and lift access
• A new access road to connect the station to the nearby community
• Commuter car parking on the eastern side
• Two bus bays
• Kiss-and-ride passenger drop off facilities and taxi stands.

The NSW Government is also considering the future of the heritage-listed Dunmore Station as it will not service passenger trains following the opening of the new Flinders Station.

Planning documents are anticipated to be on public display mid-year and the new station is expected to open in 2014.

The improvements to Albion Park Station include:

• Redesigning and regrading of the ramp into the western side of the station to make it wheelchair accessible
• Providing bus timetable information and improved signage for customers
• Providing lighting to the car park to improve security, and more lighting at the shelters to increase visibility for bus drivers at night
• Improving pedestrian access to the western side bus stop on the Princes Highway
• Providing a more user-friendly bicycle parking facility
• Providing a formalised kiss-and-ride area for passenger pick-up and drop-off.

The improvements to Dapto Station include:

• Redesigning and rebuilding the ramp on the eastern side of the station to make it wheelchair accessible
• Installing clear signage, as well as providing more bus route and timetable information
• Providing new shelters and seating in the taxi and kiss-and-ride zones
• Construction of a low-speed bus/vehicle turnaround access road at the main entrance, with entrance point away from the high activity area at the Bong Bong Road/Station Street intersection
• Improving lighting at bicycle lockers, the taxi zone and the kiss-and-ride zone
• Upgrading footpaths

The improvements to Gerringong Station include resurfacing, improving and widening the external ramps which provide access to the platform.

Construction at Albion Park, Dapto and Gerringong is expected to begin in the second half of the year. Detailed design work is underway to determine the investment required.

Public areas at Wollongong Station will also be painted and refreshed as part of a makeover to reinvigorate the appearance of the station by mid-year. A tender is currently being called for the project.

The Transport Access program ensures, for the first time, the integrated planning and delivery of works with the aim of providing:

• stations that are accessible to the disabled, ageing and parents with prams
• modern buildings and facilities for all modes that meet the needs of a growing population, and modern interchanges that support an integrated network and allow seamless transfers between all modes for all customers
• safety improvements including extra lighting, help points, fences and security measures for car parks and interchanges, including stations, bus stops and wharves
• signage improvements so customers can more easily use public transport and transfer between modes at interchanges; and other improvements and maintenance such as painting, new fencing and roof replacements.

Source: Projectlink.com.au

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