Dry Creek Rail Operations and Maintenance Depot site visit

Powering South Australia’s passenger and freight services

Industry Engagement Manager for Rail, Carly Grigg, made the most of her recent visit to South Australia by connecting with key stakeholders at the Dry Creek Rail Operations and Maintenance Depot. This site, jointly operated by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and Keolis Downer, provided the perfect backdrop for discussions as rail operations transition back to government management.

Located in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, the 10-hectare facility is more than a maintenance hub - it’s a cornerstone of supply chain resilience and efficiency across South Australia’s transport network.

Officially opened in 2011 as part of a $2.6 billion rail infrastructure upgrade, the depot was designed to support the growing demands of Adelaide Metro’s electrified fleet while supporting urban redevelopment in the city centre. Today, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining the reliability and performance of both passenger and freight rail services.

As rail operations in South Australia return to government management, facilities like Dry Creek will be central to shaping the future of freight. By prioritising infrastructure, workforce safety, and operational excellence, the depot stands as an essential component of the region’s supply chain ecosystem.