The $885 million Northern Connector Project on the North-South Corridor in South Australia is now undergoing concrete paving to become the state’s first major concrete road.
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said the Northern Connector would improve freight access to Port Adelaide and industrial areas in the north and northwest of Adelaide, reduce travel times and improve safety for freight and commuter traffic.
“This project will link the Northern Expressway to the northern end of the South Road Superway and build four new road interchanges, delivering a non-stop journey of 43km between Gawler and Regency Park,” Mr Tudge said.
Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, said South Australian jobs were the State Government’s priority, with at least 480 jobs being supported over the life of the project.
“The choice to use concrete will create an extra 40 jobs, including batch plant workers, truck drivers and paving plant operators – contributing an estimated additional $11 million to local industry,” Mr Marshall said.
South Australian Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Stephan Knoll, said approximately 13km of the 15.5km Northern Connector alignment would be paved using concrete, excluding the four interchanges, which will be asphalt.
“This will be South Australia’s first major concrete road, offering increased durability and the best value for money when it comes to maintenance – with a saving of approximately 42 per cent in comparison to asphalt,” Mr Knoll said.
Senator for South Australia, David Fawcett, said the jobs would remain local.
“This aspect of the project in particular will galvanise the local economy, with the cement and quarry materials to be sourced from local businesses,” Mr Fawcett said.
The Australian Government is contributing $708 million towards the $885 million project with the South Australian Government contributing the remaining $177 million.
