The South Australian government has announced the award of a major infrastructure contract to local company Bardavcol. The contract involves significant upgrades to the intersection of Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive, which is a crucial part of the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project. The T2D Project aims to enhance traffic flow between Adelaide city and the airport. This announcement was made by Tom Koutsantonis, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
The intersection upgrade, valued at $85 million, is designed to alleviate road congestion and increase traffic capacity on these prominent road corridors. Daily, approximately 60,000 vehicles navigate this intersection, which serves as a key route for commuters, freight, and public transport.
Key enhancements include the installation of new turning lanes on Sir Donald Bradman Drive in both directions. An extended left-turn lane on Marion Road will also be installed, facilitating better westbound movement onto Sir Donald Bradman Drive. Additional improvements will focus on safety and accessibility; new bicycle lanes are planned on all approaches, and pedestrian crossings will be upgraded. This is designed to not only ensure a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians but also to promote active travel.
The upgrade will also see the installation of new LED road lighting, upgraded asphalt, and improved drainage, kerbing, and gutters. The project also includes the creation of new public spaces around the intersection.
Funding for the project comes from both federal and state sources, with each contributing $42.5 million. This initiative is part of a broader series of infrastructure improvements linked to the T2D Project, which includes a partnership with a consortium comprising John Holland, Bouygues Construction, Arcadis Australia, Jacobs, and Ventia. This consortium is tasked with delivering what is described as South Australia’s largest infrastructure project ever—the completion of the North South Corridor.
Koutsantonis highlighted the critical need for this upgrade, stressing the importance of enhanced capacity at the intersection to reduce delays and improve the flow and safety of traffic. He remarked on the intersection’s role as a major link between the city and the airport, underscoring that effective traffic management at this point is crucial, even in the absence of the T2D works.
“It’s fantastic to be able to award significant complementary projects like this to a local firm in Bardavcol,” said Koutsantonis. He praised Bardavcol for its history of delivering quality infrastructure in South Australia, noting the positive implications for local employment arising from this and other T2D-related projects.
This infrastructure upgrade promises not only to improve day-to-day commuting experiences but also supports economic growth by enhancing the overall efficiency of critical transport routes in Adelaide. With the project now greenlit, significant relief from traffic congestion and safer, more accessible travel options appear to be on the horizon.
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