Infrastructure: Early works commence on North-South Corridor
The Australian and South Australian governments are getting on with building the infrastructure for the 21st century with early works on the North-South Corridor Torrens-to-Torrens project set to commence in August.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs and State Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan today announced the awarding of a $6.8 million contract to local firm Bardavcol Pty Ltd to upgrade the South Road/Ashwin Parade intersection.
“This is the first instalment in the $1.5 billion upgrade to the North-South Corridor which will reduce congestion, boost freight efficiency and create hundreds of new jobs”, Mr Briggs said.
“The North-South Road Corridor will drive economic growth and productivity uplifts through more efficient movement of freight through direct connections to Port Adelaide, Adelaide Airport and the Islington Intermodal Terminal.
“It will also improve access for commuters and heavy vehicles traveling to the rapidly expanding growth areas in the north and the south, making Adelaide an even better place to live and do business.
“When completed the Torrens-to-Torrens project will fix one of the worst sections on South Road replacing it with a fully upgraded 3.7 kilometre six-lane motorway, including 2.5 kilometres of non-stop travel”.
Mr Mullighan said upgrades to South Road and Ashwin Parade will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of the intersection.
“The works – which will see around 39 jobs supported – will include widening of South Road at the intersection with Ashwin Parade and West Thebarton Road, and provide additional through and turning lanes on South Road and Ashwin Parade to improve road capacity and reduce delays”, Mr Mullighan said.
“On completion of this project and the Torrens Road to River Torrens upgrade, along with reduced delays to drivers who use it the South Road/Ashwin Parade intersection will allow improved traffic movement into the upgraded South Road.”
“It will also incorporate the construction of a roundabout on Ashwin Parade at the entrance to the new Woolworths development, to which the company is contributing $2.6 million.
“It is pleasing to see these early works awarded to a local South Australian contractor, boosting employment for the State.
“It is expected that the works will occur during the day and night with most activity planned at night to minimise disruption to the local community and delays to South Road and Ashwin Parade road users”.
The works are expected to be completed by April 2015, weather permitting.
Source: News Release Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan, 24 July 2014
http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/14_07July/corridor.pdf