Southern Expressway Duplication....Impact on cyclists

Last Saturday morning there was an open day to view plans for the Southern Expressway Duplication. In the end I spent about 2 hours talking to different people and looking at the plans.

Over the next year and a half the duplication will have a big impact on cyclist using the Veloway and the Coast to Vines Trail. The finished result will mean better infrastructure for cyclist. But in the interim, cyclist I believe, are in for a hellish time.

I spoke to one of the spokespersons, a keen cyclist, and mentioned to him my concerns how the duplication will impact on cyclist and how they should keep the cycling public up to date on closures and diversions. I have since found out that AC and BISA are both forums they are looking at.

I will give you a basic outline of how the duplication will impact on cyclist.

In Darlington the current shared use path on the western side of the expressway will be removed and be used as the off ramp for cars to exit onto Marion Rd. Sound proof walls up to 4 metres will be build as a divider between the current houses and the new off ramp. The current Veloway north of Secombe Rd will become a shared use path. This will affect about 300-400 metres of the current Veloway. Certainly not an ideal set up as cyclist travel at high speed on the decent.

Bridge extensions will possibly effect cyclist by causing closures and deviations. From May to November they will be working jointly on every second bridge. For example Darlington, miss Majors, Lander, miss Young St etc all the way along. Glenthorn Path bridge just south of Majors Rd will be removed completely.

Where the Coast to Vines trail goes through the tunnel to Panalatinga Rd, a fly over on the side of the new bridge will be built for cyclists. On Majors Rd emergency vehicles will now have an on ramp that will cut over the Veloway heading south. The Veloway at Beach Rd will have some interesting twists and turns.

One thing I was really pleased about was the proposed leisure trail the full length of the Expressway on the western side. A rubble surface. I was told that a lot of the dirt tracks they are making along side the extension for access will be come part of the trail.

So cyclist, if your a regular user of the Veloway and Coast to Vines trail be prepared for some interruptions over the next 18 months.

For more detail about cyclist and pedestrian detours please call the project information line 1300 626 097, or email dpti.southernexpressway@sa.gov.au. Additional Project information can also be found at www.infrastrucutre.sa.gov.au

Tags: DPTI, Duplication, Expressway, Southern

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Permalink Reply by Gillian on July 22, 2012 at 15:39

Richard the entire Veloway is open from Marion Rd start all the way to the C2V T junction inc Panalatinga off-shoot. If you want to go to McLaren Vale then there is a right detour at the last bridge heading south that takes you to River Rd then back onto the track. The tunnel that is closed off is the one under the southern end of the Expressway immediately after you have turned right off the Veloway onto the C2V heading for McLV. I believe the only problem at the moment is occasional blasting for which they close the Northern end around Majors (?) for 1-2 hours in the middle of the day. There is a page about it on here somewhere. You can sign up to receive blast closure alerts.

Found it http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/page/dpti-works-info

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Permalink Reply by Richard on July 22, 2012 at 16:00

Thanks Gillian, I didn't want to be experimenting on my way to work considering the alternatives are so far out of the way.Fortunately, blasting's not an issue because I'll be out there at sparrow fart getting to work or after work when the sparrows are settling down for a good night's rest.

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Permalink Reply by Gillian on July 22, 2012 at 16:09

I've been keeping an eye on the Veloway thing as it's my "comeback" training ground and hefty detours wouldn't be welcome at this stage. Looks like the works are timed to avoid peak hour commuter disruptons, but it would pay to check for updates occasionally.

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Permalink Reply by Richard on July 22, 2012 at 16:14

I've been keeping an eye on the updates but do find it all a bit confusing - grumpy old cyclist's syndrome probably.

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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on July 22, 2012 at 16:43

I registered for the closure details via sms. Got a call straight after from someone saying they would put me on the list.

But haven't had an sms yet...

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Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on July 22, 2012 at 19:24

I got my first SMS on Friday ....

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Permalink Reply by Gillian on July 22, 2012 at 19:30

The Expressway duplication is actually a well disguised and intricate plot to blow Brennan off the face of the planet. You will get an SMS Matt. Probably about 12.30pm on a Friday saying "All clear, get along there now".

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Permalink Reply by Richard on July 22, 2012 at 19:41

Is there any truth to the rumour that various bikes have been fitted with Cancellara style motors in the seat tubes and riders have been placed along his path with a view to belting past him up hills, thus dermoralising him?