The South Australian Government is currently undertaking a $1.5 billion infrastructure blitz, with 90 individual road or rail upgrade projects underway across the states, supporting over 3,000 jobs.
The work will result in new and upgraded infrastructure that is set to benefit current and future generations of South Australians, including new roads, intersections, bridges and a modernised train line.
However, the massive amount of work underway means there are currently 127 active work sites, causing unavoidable short-term disruption like traffic delays and temporary rail closures in order to achieve the long-term gain.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said that projects currently under construction were delivering more than 1,480km of road and rail upgrades.
“Under the Australian Government’s $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, we are delivering projects right across metropolitan and regional South Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“Our investments are targeted at improving road safety, increasing traffic network efficiency, reducing travel times and enhancing public transport.”
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the benefits will start being felt very soon, with around half of the 90 projects expected to be completed or opened to traffic in the next few months, weather permitting.
“Our record $16.7 billion commitment to improve infrastructure is delivering more road upgrades across the state than ever before,” Mr Wingard said.
“We know this work is causing disruptions for many road and rail users, but we will soon start enjoying the benefits, and the end result will be world-class infrastructure that will benefit generations of South Australians to come.
“The 90 road and rail projects currently underway are in addition to routine road and rail maintenance works.
“We are continuing to address the $750 million backlog of road maintenance requirements, which means more jobs and smoother and safer roads across South Australia.
“We’ve recently commenced works on the Portrush and Magill Road Intersection Upgrade and Ovingham Level Crossing Removal, which together are worth $329 million and are supporting 183 jobs throughout construction.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the Federal Government is committed to working closely with the South Australian Government to deliver critical infrastructure projects that will help commuters get home sooner and safer.
“The Main North, Kings and McIntyre Roads Intersection Upgrade, which is anticipated to be completed in October 2021, will help ease congestion at one of the busiest intersections in Adelaide’s northern suburbs,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The $560 million Gawler Rail Electrification Project is also on track with major works expected to be completed in late 2021, and will result in a better service on Adelaide’s longest and most heavily-patronised passenger rail line.”
