THE first designs for the O-Bahn tunnel openings on Rymill Park and Hackney Rd have been released and not everyone is happy with them.

A 60m-long, 6m tall steel canopy will be built in the middle Hackney Rd as part of the $160 million O-Bahn tunnel project.

A second 20m-long canopy will be constructed in Rymill Park, near Grenfell St, designs released this week reveal.

The plans show the beige, perforated steel coverings stretching along Hackney Rd between North Tce and Westbury St and emerging in Rymill Park

The park opening will be largely screened by trees and shrubs.

Lights will allow people to see buses coming out of them and fences will prevent anyone crossing in front of the tracks or entering the tunnel.

However, many details are still lacking in planning company AECOM’s development application on behalf of the State Government.

The fencing as well other parts of the project — such as a tunnel service building in Rymill Park and a footbridge over the River Torrens at Gilberton — are not included in the development application, to the annoyance of Planning Department staff, who asked AECOM 34 questions about missing information.

In response, AECOM said the Development Assessment Commission should approve the tunnel and its entrances while reserving its decision on parts such as fencing and landscaping.

Only Adelaide City and Norwood, Payneham & St Peters councils will be able to comment on the plans.

Reports by consultants employed by AECOM and included in the development application say the tunnel and bus lanes will not have a detrimental effect on the heritage-listed Parklands, nor an adverse impact on groundwater, air quality or noise.

Adelaide Parklands Preservation Association secretary Shane Sody said the tunnel — actually a trench through the parklands with a roof on top — would definitely have an impact.

“What planet is this person living on?” Mr Sody said.

Hackney Residents Association president Serena Coulls said it appeared the plans were no different to those released in June, despite subsequent consultation with residents.

The only mention of a footbridge over Hackney Rd is in a report on “best practice urban design solutions” — but notes that work is unfunded.

“I think obviously pedestrian access is still a serious concern along Hackney Rd,” Ms Coulls said.

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan did not respond to a question on whether he thought the lack of public consultation was reasonable, saying there had already been three opportunities for the public to comment.

“The State Government is continuing to work with all stakeholders as the project progresses,” Mr Mullighan said.

The applications are expected to be decided in secret at a DAC meeting in January.

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