Under the Hobart Heritage Rail project, the Tasmanian Transport Museum plans to expand its present rail operations to the former TasRail suburban line between Glenorchy and Granton. The last TasRail freight train operated on the line in 2014 and is now defined by TasRail as a “non-operational line”.
The Tasmanian Transport Museum currently holds a lease with the Tasmanian Government for the Glenorchy (Elwick Rd) to Chigwell (Mentmore St) section of the line, under the Strategic Infrastructure Corridors Act 2016.
Year 1 Objective –
Operate trains between Elwick Rd and Grove Rd in the first 12 months. Commencement 21 May 2023.
Year 2 Objective –
Extend operations from Grove Rd to Berriedale Road, including design and installation of crossing lights.
Year 3 Objective –
To extend operations from Berriedale to Mentmore St, Chigwell (possibly Box Hill Rd). Establish a passing loop (most likely near Box Hill Rd). Installation of an additional set of crossing lights.
Years 4 / 5 Objective –
Maximise revenue opportunities and consider the viability extending rail operations to Granton. Installation of additional crossing lights. Establish a passing loop at Granton.
Opportunities
- Extended train rides for patrons, including school and tour groups
- Special event trains (Dark MOFO)
- Dinner train with a dedicated Dining Carriage
- Lunch and dinner trains to local wineries and restaurants within the Granton area
- Local employment and further volunteer roles
Progress Status – As of July 2024
After completing track work on the Elwick Rd to Grove Rd section in May 2023, work then focused on the Grove Rd to Berriedale Rd section. As of July 2024, sleeper replacement has reached the Brooker Highway overpass and work on tamping sleepers in progressing.
Completion of the final section of track between Berriedale Rd and Mentmore St is dependent on level crossing infrastructure. Extension of train rides to Berriedale is currently in the planning and assessment stage and final level crossing design.
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