DPTI Matters - 10 May 2019

A word from the Chief Executive

Darlington update

I’m sure most staff are aware of the issues currently faced on the Darlington Upgrade Project with water damage to a section of one of the embankment walls this week.

This is something we never want to see happen on our projects but we are aware that on construction sites of this size and complexity, issues can occur. The most important thing right now is how we respond.

Reports in the media are feeding a news cycle which relies on trying to find new angles every day.  DPTI’s response, as always, will be based on evidence. We must be aware that expressing unsubstantiated views doesn’t help. Anyone approached for comment should not speculate but refer the enquiry to the appropriate channels.

We have engaged some very well qualified independent technical experts who are now investigating the situation to help us understand exactly what has happened and how to put it right.

Our own onsite team are also working closely with our delivery partner Gateway South. They are exhibiting great professionalism under pressure. They deserve our understanding and support. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who is working on this for the way they are responding.  We can be confident that together we will find the solution.

Thanks to all

It was exciting to see the new Oaklands Train Station opened this week, after a three-week closure of the line between Adelaide and Brighton.

Contributions from a wide range of Rail Infrastructure Maintenance and management staff allowed train services to resume as planned on Monday, and the work from our Engineering disciplines with inspections and handover documentation was significant.

Important maintenance along the line was also delivered during the closure, with work completed under a tight time frame.

This is a great example of teams working together to produce a great result for the people of this state and I extend my personal thanks to all who were involved.

Passengers board a train at Oaklands station.

Task Force recognition

I was delighted to receive a letter from the Minister for Environment and Water, Hon David Speirs MP, congratulating Department staff on their involvement in the Opening Up Our Reservoirs Task Force, which brought about the recent opening of the Myponga Reservoir to the public.

The launch day was a tribute to the team’s efforts and immediately brought about social and economic benefits to the Myponga community.

“The work undertaken to plan and prepare the site was exceptional and I have no doubt there will be many who used the trail who will be planning a trip back soon,” Minister Speirs wrote. “ This work was all done without compromising the water quality of South Australians, which of course, remains our number one priority.”

Congratulations to those involved on representing DPTI in such a positive manner.

Lights for lives

Adelaide Oval and the Riverbank Bridge joined a list of national landmarks that were lit up in yellow to mark National Road Safety Week this week, to raise awareness of road safety and to remind all road users to drive so that others survive.

I can’t emphasise enough how important it is that we take the messages of this week on board and think about what we can do to make sure we know the current road rules and maintain healthy driving habits.

Adelaide Oval aglow for National Road Safety Week.

Cruise mode

As I’ve mentioned before, the range of tasks undertaken by DPTI staff is both extensive and impressive,  but few would be aware of the role  we play in helping cruise ship passengers to get from the passenger terminal at Outer Harbor into the city centre.

This has obvious economic benefits in terms of connecting tourists with Adelaide’s retail hub but our staff go even further, presenting a welcoming face to those visiting our state for a short period of time.

Take a look at the video below to see  the impressive work our people are doing when the big ships come in.

Northern Connector

This week the Northern Connector Project team hit another construction milestone, successfully shifting traffic from the existing Craig Gilbert Bridge (South Road Superway) onto the new bridge spanning over the Port River Expressway, providing a connection to the new temporary off-ramp to the Salisbury Highway.

The traffic shift will enable the demolition of the Craig Gilbert Bridge as part of the construction staging for the Southern Interchange. The Craig Gilbert Bridge name will be transferred onto the new bridge, which has been gratefully accepted by his family.

An aerial view of the temporary off-ramp.

Fresh view

One of the tasks undertaken during the Seaford rail-line closure was the repainting of the Hove station mural.

Originally painted in 2012, the 100m long wall has been revitalised by four local SA street artists, all with unique styles and technique.

Their amazing colour combinations have brought fresh life to the station, which serves thousands of commuters each day.

The mural, which was organised by the team at Rail Care, aims to reduce graffiti vandalism in order to make the station more appealing for commuters and the local community.

Part of the mural at Hove station.

Walk to school

Next Friday, 17 May, is National Walk Safely to School Day and the Way2Go families website will help you prepare for the walk to and from school.

If distance or time is a barrier for your family, why not try parking a bit further away from school and walking in?

You can watch marathon runner Jess Trengove talking to radio host Ali Clarke about finding time to walk to school in the video below.

Visit the website for more information about Walk Safely to School Day.

Friday Flashback

Today’s Friday Flashback shows workers constructing the Railway Bridge over the River Murray at Murray Bridge in 1925.

SLSA B 3161