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Improvements and Projects

Adelaide Platform Extension

Translink is currently investing significantly into improving Northern Ireland’s railway network, modernising infrastructure, introducing new six-car walk through trains and remaining committed to continuing the transformation of public transport as part of our Better. Connected strategy.

As a vital public service, we are committed to delivering high quality, sustainable public transport that is crucial for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Northern Ireland. We help to keep people connected to employment, education, retail, social and leisure opportunities, as well as support our visitors and tourists.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in passengers on our services, as more people are making the switch towards active travel and with the introduction of our new six- car trains we are able to support more customers on their journeys.

The new six-car, walk-through trains are double the capacity of our three-car trains and allow more passengers to experience the latest standards in comfort, quality, and accessibility with modern soft furnishing, at-seat USB chargers, and upgraded air conditioning.

To properly introduce the trains and allow for all the benefits that come with them, we must improve our associated infrastructure. Platforms across the network currently do not meet the criteria to facilitate six-car sets to stop at each station and we are currently working through a programme to extend each platform to cater to our enhancements.

What We Are Proposing

Platforms at Adelaide Train Station are currently long enough to accommodate three carriage trains only. To accommodate six-carriage sets and increase capacity, they will each need to be around 150m in length.

The station is particularly busy for commuters and the local community around the heart of south Belfast. Adelaide station is also essential for serving sporting and concert events within the area, and there is a need to progress increased capacity at the station to meet present and anticipated future demand.

Project Benefits

  • Train services with six carriages will be able stop at Adelaide.
  • Increased passenger capacity on the NI Railways network, helping keep people better connected.
  • Enhancing the passenger journey, with future proofing for advancement in ticketing.
  • Increased Translink investment in the public transport network to help drive a sustainable future.

Indicative Project Timeline

The construction programme will focus on utilising periods of line closures to complete the works. These include:

  • Sunday 15 October 2023
  • Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October 2023
  • Sunday 12 November 2023
  • Saturday 30 March – Sunday 7 April 2024
  • Wednesday 3 July – Monday 12 August/Summer 2024

The remaining works to be completed will include track adjustments to align with the final platform position, installation of new furniture such as shelters and seating, signalling equipment upgrades, installation of safety guard rails and utility connections.

To facilitate the platform extension works and bridge refurbishment, Pedestrian access across the railway line at Adelaide will be closed from 3 July to 11 August and diverted to the existing footbridge at the National Stadium at Windsor Park, with local signage being erected to inform users.

Translink are planning a wider closure of the railway line in the summer between Belfast and Lisburn to facilitate rail engineering works in advance of the opening of the new Belfast Grand Central Station (BGCS). While works at Adelaide Platform will use part of this line closure to ensure works can be completed during daytime hours, the wider BGCS construction works will have no impact on residents around the Adelaide area.

Upcoming works in the Adelaide Station Area

Along with the platform extension works outlined above, and to ensure minimal disruption to the railway’s neighbours, two of our other projects will be taken forward in the Adelaide Station Area over the summer months. Our Project teams are working together concurrently in the Adelaide Station area to streamline the construction process and reduce overall impact on the community.

Footbridge Refurbishment

Towards the end of July and the beginning of August, the footbridge between the platforms will be refurbished. This will be limited to daytime working hours only.

Adelaide Avenue is the proposed delivery and removal route for project materials. A crane will also be located at the entrance to the station at Adelaide Avenue to carry out the refurbishment works.

A full road closure of Adelaide Avenue will be required for a limited period to facilitate these works, with footpath and access for emergency services maintained at all times. No on-street parking will be permitted on Adelaide Avenue during this time. We will seek to minimise the period of the road closure.

Dates may be subject to change due to the need for favourable weather conditions to operate the crane.
Translink will write out to residents closer to the time to inform of the exact dates of the works and the road closure. Localised signage will also be displayed.

Acoustic Fence Replacement

The replacement of the acoustic fence along the Adelaide Depot perimeter will also commence during the summer line closure.

The installation of the new acoustic fence will be transient in nature, with the works starting at the northern end of the depot and progressing towards the southern end of the depot as the fence is replaced.
The replacement of the acoustic fence will be limited to daytime working hours.

Public Consultation

We will continue to maintain contact with the local community as this project progresses, letting you know more about construction methods, timescales and exactly when we’ll be working. We will do this through a variety of means such as letter drops, online updates and information days.

Alternatively, if you would like to get in touch with the project team directly, you can contact the contractor, Charles Brand, on 028 9039 4402 and a member of the team will be on hand to help with any queries you have.

We are grateful for your support for our efforts to deliver a better rail service for everyone, helping make public transport everyone’s first choice for travel, today for tomorrow.