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 15th October 2023
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October 2023
Sunday 12th November 2023
Summer 2024 – dates to be confirmed

Upcoming line closure – 15th October 2023

The line will be closed following the last train on Saturday 14th October until 5am on Monday 16th October. During this time, our contractor will be undertaking works relating to the platform foundations. Please note that this will be an intensive period of construction works that requires a range of plant and machinery. The most disruptive activities will be carried out between 7am – 11pm on Sunday 15th October.

This is essential to enable the project to be delivered during periods of line closures and to reduce disruptive night-time working. As with previous closures, additional temporary site lighting will be required to allow the work to be carried out safely. This lighting will be operational from sunset and every effort will be made to ensure that this is kept as unobtrusive as possible.

Following this closure, no further construction works will be undertaken until the next line closure on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October. We are currently assessing the options available to us during this line closure and will update lineside residents and commuters as soon as possible.

An additional line closure identified for Sunday 12th November will provide an opportunity to progress the project and reduce the works required during 2024.

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 Translink’s engagement partner Belmont Strategy on 028 9044 6742 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.