The Torrens Junction project is expected to be approved with conditions (as far as I can read, maybe Ben can confirm)
The report has this to say regarding the trench instead of the tunnel option:
Overall, the submitted design has a number of positives - in terms of improved connectivity, functional public realm integration and general consistency with the Bowden Masterplan. It should be noted that final design issues are yet to be resolved, with the need to ‘reserve’ certain elements - namely the pedestrian bridges and station precinct - although it is acknowledged the essential building blocks are in place.
The station solution does not fully accord with the Development Plan, which sought an underground station further west of its proposed position (although if enacted, this would make issues of heritage adjacency more problematic). However, on the threshold test, the station scheme is considered an appropriate one, with an acceptable level of connectivity and visual interest for a neighbourhood level station. It should also be noted, that the rail corridor works will be engineered to enable a future cover to be installed, which does not preclude other development opportunities to be explored. The
proposed external materials appear to offer a complementary palette of colours and finishes that can be easily maintained.
That's not so bad then.
The Riverbank Authority has echoed many concerns raised here regarding the narrow footbridges. I can't tell if there has been a change in width, but it looks like an extra bridge at the old Boden Station building has been added.
The rest of the report can be read here, which includes the conditions this approval is subject to (From Page 56):
http://www.dac.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/ ... Report.pdf
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Moving on to the new renders and updated design, a new bridge at the old Bowden Station is proposed. Inclusion of this is a great move in my opinion.
Here are cross sections of the bridges:
And finally, here are some new renders of the station. To be honest, I'm not sold on the mix of brick and concrete, it looks really bare and plain compared to something like the Adelaide Showgrounds station. It will be interesting how this will look in real life. The canopy on Gibson Street also looks bland and too small.