Infrastructure: Torrens Road to River Torrens report released
Public comment is being sought following the release today of the Project Assessment Report for the Torrens Road to River Torrens upgrade of the North-South Corridor, along with changes to the original design made after initial public consultation.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said the report is a comprehensive document that explains the need for the project, describes the scope and summarises the environmental, social, economic and engineering assessments that have been done.
“The State Government is pleased to release this comprehensive report in partnership with the Australian Government, which outlines the measures proposed to avoid or minimise the effects of the project, as well as maximising opportunities during construction and operation,” Mr Mullighan said.
“The report details the changes made to the initial concept design as a result of consultation with the local community and further engineering and economic investigations, including the shortening of the rail overpass to maintain the amenity of the Queen Street precinct in Croydon, and minimising disruptions for commuters on the Outer Harbour line.
“As the next step towards finalising the concept design, it provides greater detail about the works to be done, which will give potential tenderers more detail about the range and scope of the packages of work likely to be available.
“We had a strong turnout to an industry briefing held last week, and we are focused on maximising opportunities for local firms and workers.
“This project will support 480 jobs a year, and there will be requirements for tenderers to outline local participation and job opportunities for South Australians.
“The North-South corridor is one of the largest road infrastructure projects undertaken in South Australia, and along with the Darlington upgrade will see $1.5 billion invested on key parts of Adelaide’s main arterial thoroughfare.
“In the long term we will see substantial benefits for business, industry and the South Australian public, through connecting communities, creating jobs and easing congestion.”
The Project Assessment Report includes the results of a detailed economic assessment including a benefit cost analysis that shows the project as having a benefit cost ratio of 2.4.
The report is open for feedback from members of the public, community and industry organisations and local government. Feedback submissions will be accepted until close of business, Monday, 11 August, 2014. Submissions can be by either post or email.
The $896 million Torrens to Torrens South Road Upgrade project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($448 million) and State Government ($448 million).
Source: News Release Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan, 01 July 2014
http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/14_07July/t2t.pdf