A purpose-built site near Tonsley Boulevard, in Clovelly Park, has been revealed as the launch site for the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) tunnels — the last and most complex part of the North-South Corridor.
This site known as the Southern laydown area will be used to assemble two tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) that will dig 4kms of tunnels for the new 6km motorway, which will ultimately connect Darlington to Anzac Highway.
The site will also provide facilities to support tunnel-boring operations, such as workshops, storage facilities, tunnel access paths and transport routes.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the announcement signified an important milestone in the delivery of the project.
“The Morrison Government has invested billions in the North-South Corridor – the most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken in the state – as part of its record $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive the nation’s world-leading economic recovery,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The 10.5km Torrens to Darlington section is the final piece of this important project and is set to reduce travel time for commuters in Adelaide by up to 24 minutes.
“Significant work has already been done to progress this project, including hundreds of geotechnical investigations and the design for relocation of important utility services such as water, gas and telecommunications.”
South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Corey Wingard MP, said the project was entering an exciting time as construction commenced on the most intricate part of the North-South Corridor.
“T2D is the biggest job-creating infrastructure project this state has ever seen and will generate more than 4,500 jobs for South Australia,” Mr Wingard said.
“The project team has commenced engagement with affected property owners in the southern laydown area and negotiations regarding acquisition have begun.
“When we announced this project we made a commitment to let the community know as soon as possible, when activities would begin in particular locations and which properties were likely to be impacted.
“When we know, you’ll know and as soon as we get certainty on elements of the Reference Design, we’ll be engaging with impacted land owners directly, before information is shared with the broader public.”
Mr Wingard said the government has begun property acquisitions in the southern laydown area, ensuring everyone who has a stake in the project and in the local community is aware of the progress that’s been made and how the next steps will play out.
“Our solution to complete the North-South Corridor saves hundreds of homes and businesses from acquisition. The Torrens to Darlington project will require the acquisition of approximately 390 properties, at least 480 fewer than Labor’s open-motorway option,” Mr Wingard said.
“The development of the reference design is ongoing and will be finalised in the second half of the year.”
When complete, the T2D project will complete a 78km non-stop motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga, allowing motorists to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights in the approximately 10.5km between the River Torrens and Darlington.
“The hybrid+ design means around 60 per cent of the project will be tunnels,” Mr Wingard said.
“We’re proud to be delivering a project of this scale and complexity, and proud of the difference it will make for thousands of South Australians each day.”
The project is jointly funded by the Federal and South Australian governments, with $5.4 billion budgeted for the section between Darlington and Anzac Highway, construction on this section expected to begin in 2023, with completion planned for 2028.
