Riverline (Hobart)

Last updated

Riverline
Hobart riverline promo.jpg
Artist's impression of the light railway
Overview
Locale Hobart, Tasmania
Transit type Light rail
Number of lines1
Number of stations
  • 10 (Johnston proposal)
  • 7 (Business case)
  • 5-6 (McKim proposal)
Operation
Headway 15 minutes (peak times) [1]
Technical
System length
  • 26 km (16 mi) (Johnston proposal)
  • 14 km (8.7 mi) (Business case)
  • 8 km (5.0 mi) (McKim proposal)
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Riverline, also known as the Northern Suburbs Railway, was a proposed light rail system that would have traversed the southernmost section of the South Railway Line, through the northern suburbs of Hobart, Tasmania. [2]

The proposed line was first mentioned in 2007 when the State Premier, Paul Lennon, announced that a new dedicated transport hub would be constructed on Hobart's northern fringe. The completion of this transport hub in 2014 left the southernmost section of the railway line vacant. [2] While the intermodal operations were moved to Brighton, the intention was to maintain a working port for Hobart and therefore the new arrangement will need to accommodate the occasional freight train. [2]

The original concept was similar in length to the Gold Coast Light Rail system, except this project would have been constructed along an already present rail corridor (similar to Sydney's Inner West Light Rail) which had the potential to save considerable capital costs.

Despite strong public support, the future of the proposed light rail suffered from to a lack of political will. [3] While the major political parties gave in principle support to the development (dependent on federal funding), only the Tasmanian Greens made a firm commitment to ensure its completion. Tasmanian Greens leader Nick McKim made an election commitment to divert funding away from the state's roads if necessary to ensure the first stage was completed. [4] [5]

History

In conjunction with the Main Road, Hobart's northern suburbs have been developed around the Southern Railway Line - The two transport corridors are on a near parallel trajectory. Following the end of operations by trams in 1960, trolleybuses managed the city's public transport which in turn were replaced by conventional buses in 1964. [6] The low-density population of Hobart has caused the bus timetables being planned on a low-frequency, high-penetration basis - Bus routes are often lengthy, and can take a long time to reach their final destination, as they attempt to service the widely spread-out suburbs. [7] This has contributed to Hobart having the second lowest public transport patronage in Australia and as a result is very much a car orientated city. [6] [8]

The Brooker Highway was opened in stages from 1961 to alleviate traffic congestion on the Main Road. [9] In 1965 a transportation study was released offering a set plan on constructing and upgrading Hobart's Highways. [9] While this transport study was seen as more of a "highway plan" rather than a "comprehensive transport plan, it did provide clear guidelines for the Brooker Highway including grade separation and additional lanes. [9] However these guidelines have not been followed for the southern portion on the highway. With Annual average daily traffic of 48,000, [10] the Brooker Highway is currently below the acceptable levels of service and congestion issues are expected to worsen significantly over the next 20 years with the Highway already approaching its designed capacity. [11] While at present, the Brooker Highway is considerably less congested than in other states during peak hours, it is more congested off-peak than roads in Queensland and Western Australia, and almost as congested as those in New South Wales. It is thus a busy road by any Australian standard. [7] [8]

The South Railway Line ceased operation on a permanent basis by freight trains when Toll Holdings relocated its intermodal operations from the Hobart Railyards to the Brighton Transport Hub in 2014. [11] As a result, traffic on the Brooker Highway is expected to increase. [12] When announcing the construction of the Brighton Transport Hub, Premier Paul Lennon stated that when complete the Southern Railway Line – south of the Intermodal facility – would no longer be used on a permanent basis. He spoke of the possibility of the railway line opening up to commuter traffic. In 2008, The Australian Institute of Architects and the Planning Institute identified the South Line as an ideal route for an express O-Bahn Style Bus. [13]

Proposals

In 2009, Ben Johnston, a local engineer and rail enthusiast, founded an organisation known as the Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group and proceeded to release a detailed proposal for the corridor. It was to be a zero-emission, electric/battery rail transportation service that traverses the South Railway Line starting at the City (Mawson Place) and passing New Town, Moonah, Glenorchy, Berriedale, Claremont, Granton and Bridgewater on its way to Brighton. [11] Additionally, there were also many attractions in close proximity to the proposed light rail line, including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart Cenotaph, Royal Hobart Showground, Tattersalls Park, Derwent Entertainment Centre, KGV Oval, Tasmanian Transport Museum, Museum of Old and New Art and Cadbury's Chocolate Factory. In order to retain the existing intercity cycleway, some stations would have passing loops and recharging facilities to allow trains to travel in both directions on the single track and batteries to be recharged whilst passengers embark/disembark. [11] [14]

Business case

In 2010, a community advisory panel was created for the purposes of assisting the creation of a business case study. [15] A business case undertaken by Acil Tasman was published in 2011. The conclusions included (but were not limited to): [16]

Following the release of the business case, the Northern Suburbs Railway Action group withdrew from the Light Rail Community Advisory Panel due to what Ben Johnston described as a "fundamentally flawed passenger demand analysis" limiting the proposal to Claremont. [3] [17] He also expressed concern that Transport Minister, Nick McKim was backflipping on key election promises by supporting the adaptation. [17]

Political process

In 2011, the Tasmanian Government's Infrastructure Australia submission included a $213 million Brooker Highway upgrade wishlist. [18] This was submitted in the absence of any submission for the Northern Suburbs Light Rail, cost at $100 million – less than half the price of the highway upgrades. [3] [19] The government was urged to make a submission for the railway. [3] [20] [21]

With Federal and state elections looming, the Northern Suburbs Railway received tri-partisan support from the major political parties in early 2013. [22] Federal Denison MP, Andrew Wilkie called on the Liberal and Labor parties to each commit $100 million to the project during Parliament. [22] Soon after, The Tasmanian Government announced the creation of a high-powered taskforce to push the case for a light rail link through the city's northern suburbs. Transport Minister Nick McKim stated that he had ordered a new business case for the link, which he wants to put before the Federal Government's funding process by May. However, McKim also said he would be pushing for a Hobart to Glenorchy link, rather than the proposed Hobart to Bridgewater line. He said this was because the route would increase the cost-to-benefit ratio, making it easier to attract critical federal funding. [23] Prominent local businessman, David Walsh even weighed into the debate stating that the proposed light rail should extend beyond Bridgewater and into Gagebrook. [24] Walsh said it took an hour to travel by bus from the far northern suburbs to the CBD, which was too long. [24] He added that his support for the railway was a matter of social justice. [24]

The most recent proposed route being pursued by the state government commences at Mawson Place and ends in close proximity to the Museum of Old and New Art, within the suburb of Berriedale. [1] proponents of the light rail have recently called on the state government to extend the transport corridor to North Hobart. [25]

The fate of the light rail is unknown after the feasibility study was scrapped as part of the Abbott government's 2014 Australian federal budget. [5]

A 2023 stadium proposal has reignited conversation about transport options, including the northern suburbs corridor. [26] A state review of local government areas prompted the City of Hobart Lord Mayor to mention light rail as a potential trade for amalgamation with Glenorchy. [27]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hobart</span> Capital city of Tasmania, Australia

Hobart is the capital and most populous city of the island state of Tasmania, Australia. Home to almost half of all Tasmanians, it is the southernmost and least-populated Australian state capital city, and second-smallest if territories are taken into account, before Darwin, Northern Territory. Hobart is located in Tasmania's south-east on the estuary of the River Derwent, making it the most southern of Australia's capital cities. Its skyline is dominated by the 1,271-metre (4,170 ft) kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and its harbour forms the second-deepest natural port in the world, with much of the city's waterfront consisting of reclaimed land. The metropolitan area is often referred to as Greater Hobart, to differentiate it from the City of Hobart, one of the seven local government areas that cover the city. It has a mild maritime climate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenorchy, Tasmania</span> Suburb of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Glenorchy is a suburb of Hobart, in the state of Tasmania, Australia. Glenorchy is bound by the River Derwent to the east, Mount Wellington to the west, Hobart City to the south and Brighton to the north. The city officially begins at Creek Road New Town, in Hobart's northern suburbs, and includes, Moonah, Derwent Park, Lutana, Goodwood, Montrose, Rosetta, Berriedale, Chigwell, Claremont and Austins Ferry. It is the seat of the local government area of the same name, the City of Glenorchy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Midland Highway (Tasmania)</span> Highway in Tasmania, Australia

The Midland Highway is one of Tasmania's major inter-city highways, running for 176 kilometres (109 mi) between Hobart and Launceston. It is part of the AusLink National Network and is a vital link for road freight to transport goods to and from the two cities. It represents a major north–south transportation corridor in Tasmania and has the route 1 designation as part of the National Highway. The highway consists of various traffic lane arrangements, the most common being two lanes – one in each direction, with overtaking options and at-grade intersections. At both the Launceston and Hobart sections of the highway there are small portions of grade-separated dual carriageway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brooker Highway</span> Highway in Tasmania, Australia

The Brooker Highway is a highway in the Australian state of Tasmania. As one of Hobart's three major radials, the highway connects traffic from the city centre with the northern suburbs and is the major road connection to the cities and towns of northern Tasmania. With an annual average daily traffic of 48,000, the highway is one of the busiest in Tasmania. The Brooker Highway has recently been declared part of the National Highway.

Claremont is a rural / residential locality in the local government areas (LGA) of Glenorchy (75%) and Derwent Valley (25%) in the Hobart and South-east LGA regions of Tasmania. The locality is about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of the town of Glenorchy. The 2021 census recorded a population of 8,397 for the state suburb of Claremont.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moonah, Tasmania</span> Suburb of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Moonah is a residential locality in the local government area (LGA) of Glenorchy in the Hobart LGA region of Tasmania. The locality is about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south-east of the town of Glenorchy. The 2016 census recorded a population of 5421 for the state suburb of Moonah. It is a suburb in the city of Hobart, located approximately 5 km north of the central business district of Hobart, and lying directly north of the inner city suburb New Town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bridgewater Bridge (Tasmania)</span> Road and rail bridge in Tasmania, Australia

The Bridgewater Bridge is a combined road and rail bridge that carries the Midland Highway and South Railway Line across the Derwent River in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. This steel truss vertical lift bridge and specially-built causeway connect the Hobart suburbs of Bridgewater and Granton. The bridge was completed in 1946 and accommodates a two-lane highway, a single track railway and a grade-separated footpath.

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The Tasmanian Government Railways (TGR) was the former operator of the mainline railways in Tasmania, Australia. Formed in 1872, the railway company was managed by the Government of Tasmania, and existed until absorption into the Australian National Railways Commission in 1978.

Main Road is a major arterial road that runs through the northern suburbs of Hobart, Tasmania. The road continues on from New Town Road at Lenah Valley and runs in close proximity with the Southern Railway Line and travels on a near parallel trajectory with the Derwent River until it reaches Granton where it merges with the Brooker Highway. Prior to the construction of the Brooker Highway the only way traffic could travel to the northern cities of the state was to drive via Main Road.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metro Tasmania</span> Tasmanian government bus operator

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brighton Bypass</span> Highway in Tasmania, Australia

The Brighton Bypass is a A$191 million north/south bypass of the Midland Highway diverting traffic away from the northern Hobart satellite suburbs of Brighton and Pontville. Construction of the 9.5 km federally funded dual carriageway started in April 2009, and was opened on 12 November 2012.

The city of Hobart, Tasmania is served by a wide variety of transport. While the city's main form of transport is private transport on the road network, transport is also available by bus, ferry and aircraft. A suburban train service operated between Hobart and Brighton from the 1870s until 31 December 1974. There has been, however, talk in recent years of reinstating a train service in the northern suburbs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Transport Investment Program</span> Transport plan in Tasmania, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brighton Transport Hub</span> Intermodal transport hub in Hobart, Tasmania

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Line, Tasmania</span> Railway line in Tasmania, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trams in Hobart</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hobart Bypass</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hobart Area Transportation Study</span> Transportation study in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park</span> Sculpture park in Hobart, Tasmania

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References

  1. 1 2 "Hobart's proposed 'Riverline' light rail service to be extended". urbanalyst. 2014. Archived from the original on 5 February 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Neales, Sue (12 March 2009). "Brighton projects promise". The Mercury . Archived from the original on 6 March 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Martin, Hannah (11 October 2012). "New push for light rail bid". The Mercury . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  4. ↑ Edwards, Zoe (5 March 2014). "Greens leader Nick McKim pitches for power saying 'we've done our apprenticeship'". Hobart. ABC News. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  5. 1 2 Smith, Matt (15 May 2014). "City link light rail plan derailed with feasibility study funding dumped from Federal Budget". The Mercury . Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Glenorchy to Hobart CBD TransitCorridor" (PDF). Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  7. 1 2 "Hobart to Northern Suburbs Light Rail Business Case - Stage One Report" (PDF). ACIL Tasman for the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  8. 1 2 Rowallan, Toby (17 March 2009). "Rail vital to cut road jams". The Mercury . Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 Hobart Area Transportation Study. Hobart, Tasmania: Wilbur Smith and Associates. 1965.
  10. ↑ "Southern Region Background Report" (PDF). Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. 2006. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 April 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "The Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group Inc's submission to the Legislative Council" (PDF). Northern suburbs rail action group. 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 April 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  12. ↑ "Call to fund light rail". Tasmanian Times. 2012. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  13. ↑ Worley, Mark (3 August 2008). "Bus traffic could be diverted to rail". The Mercury via Sensational-Adelaide. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  14. ↑ Brown, Damien (12 March 2009). "Light rail bid gathers pace". The Mercury . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  15. ↑ "Letter to Mt Groom" (PDF). Government of Tasmania. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  16. ↑ "Hobart to Northern Suburbs Light Rail Business Case" (PDF). ACIL Tasman for the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  17. 1 2 Mckay, Danielle (13 September 2011). "Rail action group shunts plan". The Mercury . Archived from the original on 12 October 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  18. ↑ "Tasmanian Government's 2011 Submission to Infrastructure Australia" (PDF). Government of Tasmania. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  19. ↑ "Rail action group takes the train to the Royal Hobart Show". Tasmanian Times. 2012. Archived from the original on 18 August 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  20. ↑ Waterhouse, Charles (13 September 2011). "Push for rail over wider road". The Mercury . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  21. ↑ "Brooker Highway funding is last century thinking". Tasmanian Times. 2012. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  22. 1 2 Martin, Hannah (7 February 2013). "Rail plan gathers puff". The Mercury . Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  23. ↑ Killick, David (16 February 2013). "Track to the future". The Mercury . Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  24. 1 2 3 Martin, Hannah (15 February 2013). "Push for light rail link". The Mercury . Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  25. ↑ Heyward, Phillip (15 February 2013). "North Hobart rail link addition endorsed. with proponents seeking feasibility [sic] study". The Mercury . Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  26. ↑ Balen, Clancy (29 April 2023). "Transport options thin on the ground around Hobart's proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point". ABC News. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  27. ↑ "Hobart mayor hints at light rail in exchange for Glenorchy council merger". Pulse Hobart. 18 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
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