One of the state’s largest cranes has been employed for the installation of 12 super-T beams at the new Aldinga Interchange. The initiative is a critical component of the Main South Road stage 2 duplication project, aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach.
The 700-tonne crane, standing at an impressive 45 metres, has been utilized for the first time on a South Australian Government undertaking. Over the past two days, the crane has successfully positioned the super-T beams, each weighing 40 tonnes. Following this installation, additional work on the bridge is slated for completion.
The new bridge, spanning 26 metres in length and 27 metres in width, will be strengthened by 53 concrete piles. Architectural panels and anti-throw screens are also to be added to the bridge, enhancing both its safety features and aesthetic value.
The comprehensive project includes constructing an underpass, which will incorporate approximately 39,200 tonnes of asphalt, covering 86,000 square metres of road pavement. This ambitious undertaking is supported by over 15.5 linear kilometres of soil nails that stabilize the underpass walls.
The Aldinga Interchange, which commenced in June of this year, involves the realignment of junctions along Aldinga Beach Road and Aldinga Road. Besides the interchange itself, the stage 2 duplication project of Main South Road also comprises significant upgrades at various intersections and the installment of safety features like wide centre medians and wire rope barriers. These enhancements are designed to segregate northbound and southbound traffic, thereby increasing road safety.
Additional components of the project include three U-turn potions to assist local access, and a shared use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists stretching from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach.
Stage 2 of the Main South Road duplication is integral to the $810.4 million Fleurieu Connections project, jointly funded by the South Australian and Australian governments. The venture is expected to support around 405 full-time equivalent jobs throughout its construction phase.
Predictions suggest the new bridge at Aldinga will open to traffic in 2025, with the entire project anticipated to reach completion by 2026.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, remarked on the significance of the crane’s operation. “Having one of the largest cranes South Australia has ever seen now in action on the new Aldinga bridge site is a demonstration of just what’s possible when governments work together to deliver the major infrastructure projects people need and deserve. This project will have significant benefits for the many South Australians who travel through the area each day, ensuring they have safer and more reliable journeys. It is also supporting hundreds of full-time jobs during construction, providing a major economic boost for the area.”
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis, said “SA is building, and the Aldinga Interchange is the largest piece of infrastructure in the duplication of Main South Road from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach, so it’s only fitting that one of the largest cranes in the state is being used to build it. With the super-T beams now being installed, the bridge is really taking shape – with the next step the concrete pour of the bridge deck itself. Traffic has also now begun travelling on the new northbound on/off ramps on Main South Road at Aldinga Beach. Around 18,800 vehicles use this road every day, and the Aldinga Interchange will improve traffic flow and safety for residents and visitors traveling along this important road corridor.”
Senator Penny Wong also supported the project, spoke about its regional benefits, saying “The Albanese Labor Government is supporting Stage 2 of the South Road duplication to improve safety for all road users, reduce travel times and boost freight efficiency. It is great to see works progressing at the Aldinga Interchange, bringing this important project a step closer, along with the benefits it will unlock for South Australians.”
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