It’s fair to say a lot has happened since; however, these roadworks continued unabated and even more projects were announced over the past two years.

Let’s check out how these upgrades are progressing, as well as the new works in the pipeline.

North South Corridor

The 10.5km-long Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project is the final piece of an ambitious infrastructure puzzle.

The introduction of tunnels, lowered and ground-level motorways, and overpasses and underpasses at key intersections will help create 78km of free-flowing traffic between Gawler and Old Noarlunga; all of which is expected to reduce congestion, improve travel times and overall road safety.

The major infrastructure development will also bring substantial economic and employment benefits, creating urban renewal opportunities, and improve the state’s competitiveness through better access to key freight areas. A reference design was released in December 2021 and is currently under review

Completion date: T2D is currently budgeted to cost $9.9 billion and is now expected to be completed in 2031.

Marion Rd upgrade

State and Federal Government funding, totalling $400m, has been committed to the Marion Rd/Anzac Hwy/Cross Rd intersections upgrade, which was one of RAA’s key priorities leading up to this year’s State Election.

Key features include:

• Grade separation of the tram level crossings at Marion Rd and Cross Rd
• Widening the Marion Rd intersections at Cross Rd and Anzac Hwy
• Pedestrian and cyclist access improvements.

A separate project will see a $45m upgrade to the intersection at Marion Rd and Sir Donald Bradman Drive, which will improve safety, reduce congestion, and cater for increased demand during construction of the North South Corridor. It is expected to be operational in 2024.

Completion date: The Marion Rd upgrade is expected to start late 2023 and finish mid-2026.

Sturt Hwy

Upgrades to the Sturt Hwy commenced in 2020, with $87.5m in corridor upgrades expected to be finished next year. The project aims to improve road safety and freight efficiency, while supporting regional economic growth.

Key features include:

• Additional overtaking lanes
• New and improved rest areas
• Safety improvements at key junctions, including roundabouts at the eastern and western Old Sturt Highway intersections
• Wider roads near Renmark to accommodate bigger trucks.

In addition, the $202m Truro bypass addresses safety and amenity concerns raised by locals. It’s anticipated to make freight movement along the Sturt Hwy more efficient and improve the link between Adelaide and Murray Bridge via Truro, bypassing the South Eastern Fwy.

Completion date: Work on the Truro bypass is expected to be completed between 2023–25.

Port Wakefield overpass and Augusta Hwy duplication

This project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion during public holidays and peak hour on Port Wakefield and Augusta highways – two of the state’s most important. It will also improve safety and freight productivity along the National Land Transport Network.

Key features include:

• Two lanes in each direction through Port Wakefield
• Re-aligned dual carriageway through Port Wakefield
• Re-aligned Balaklava Rd intersection
• Bridges across Wakefield River
• Two-lane overpass to reduce dangerous right-hand turns at the notorious Copper Coast Highway intersection known as ‘crash corner’
• Highway duplication between Port Wakefield and Lochiel.

Completion date: The Port Wakefield overpass is currently underway and expected to be finished by late 2022, with the ongoing duplication through to Lochiel expected to be completed in late 2023. Future duplication between Port Pirie and Crystal Brook is on the agenda.

Further works in progress