A major new traffic alignment has opened on South Road as construction ramps up on the section that will eventually connect the northern and southern Torrens to Darlington tunnels.
Over the weekend, northbound traffic was shifted onto a newly constructed alignment on the western side of South Road, closer to Richmond Oval.
The new section opened to motorists this morning, with northbound drivers still able to access James Congdon Drive and continue directly into the Adelaide CBD.
The change is one of the first in a series of major traffic realignments required as crews create space for construction of the lowered section of the new motorway.
The next significant works will take place around Everard Avenue and Barwell Avenue, where a reconfigured intersection will be installed ahead of construction of the new Barwell Avenue road bridge.
Both Everard Avenue and Barwell Avenue are expected to temporarily close in the coming months while the changes are carried out.
The works form part of a 2.7-kilometre lowered motorway section that will connect the northern and southern T2D tunnels.
Once complete, the motorway will have three northbound and three southbound lanes running between the existing South Road carriageways.
South Road itself will remain at surface level with two lanes operating in each direction, allowing local traffic to continue accessing surrounding suburbs and major destinations including Adelaide Airport, the CBD and the western suburbs.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs said temporarily moving sections of South Road was necessary to allow construction to continue while keeping traffic flowing.
“Every part of this Project is critical to delivering a non-stop South Road, and these traffic changes will allow us to keep motorists moving while we construct the new motorway,” Minister Szakacs said.
“We understand that these works may cause some disruption for commuters, and we thank them for their patience and understanding while we get on with these important works.”
Motorists travelling through the construction area are being urged to allow additional travel time and follow changed traffic conditions and on-site signage.
The Torrens to Darlington Project will complete the final 10.5-kilometre section of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor.
Once finished, it will create a continuous 78-kilometre, traffic-light-free motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.
For more information on the roadworks and detours, click here.
