Construction on the $174 million Oaklands Crossing project will begin in 2018, following an agreement between the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments.
The multi-million project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government – $95 million, the State Government – $74 million and the City of Marion – $5 million, and will take the Seaford rail line underneath Diagonal Road..
This critical upgrade will ensure easier and safer access to the nearby State Aquatic Centre, along with other retail, leisure and health facilities, addressing longstanding concerns from the local community over the intersection.
The project will also:
- Improve travel times and reduce travel time variability for vehicles utilising the crossing (commuter, business and freight)
- Improve safety by removing a road-rail crossing point, and forms part of the Railway Crossing Safety Strategy
- Improve cycling and walking accessibility and safety by removing conflicts
- Create 160 jobs during construction
- Have the potential to act as a catalyst for development and renewal in the area
Local industry participation will be a focus in line with the South Australian Industry Participation Policy. This policy aims to promote the use of South Australian businesses, suppliers and workers. Steel will be purchased under the State Government’s Steel Procurement Policy and South Australian products will be used wherever possible.
Planning works are now being undertaken, looking at how private sector investment can be harnessed toward the project through value-capture development opportunities. The next step on this project will see finalisation of the design and layout of the upgrade.
