Joint Media Statement: Works well underway for Oaklands Crossing upgrade

Work on the $174.3 million Oaklands Grade Separation Project is in full gear with major excavation works underway following the completion of piling works.

The piling works involved a 32-metre-high piling rig drilling to install 141 piles along the length of the site. The next stage of the project will involve excavating the lowered rail line and construction of the pedestrian bridge over the rail line that will provide direct access to the eastern end of the new station platforms.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher welcomed the progress on the vital upgrade to ease congestion and improve safety.

“Building a rail underpass at Morphett Road will significantly reduce delays for the 42,000 vehicles which travel through this level crossing each weekday,” Mr Fletcher said.

“On an average weekday the boom gates at Oaklands Crossing are lowered for approximately 25% during peak traffic times, so removing this level crossing will slash delays for people using this part of the southern suburbs road network by more than 90 minutes a day.

“The Turnbull Government is working with the Marshall Government to deliver these key infrastructure projects to ensure smoother and safer journeys for South Australians and this is possible because of a stronger economy.”

Premier Steven Marshall said this project would mitigate the traffic congestion around this crossing which had been frustrating motorists, cyclists and pedestrians for years.

“The Oaklands Crossing Grade Separation project is an important infrastructure upgrade that will reduce traffic congestion, improve travel times and make this intersection safer for all commuters,” Premier Marshall said.

“Tens of thousands of South Australians use the Seaford line, or drive or cycle through the Oaklands crossing every day to get to work or drop the kids off at school – all commuters will benefit from this project.

“The State Liberal Government will continue to work constructively with the Turnbull Government to deliver more projects that create jobs and grow our economy.” 

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said that through the establishment of Infrastructure SA the Marshall Government would develop a pipeline of key infrastructure projects.

“The Marshall Government has committed more funds to complete business cases for key infrastructure projects to ensure that we have a continual pipeline of projects to support industry and jobs,” Minister Knoll said.

“Projects like this are so important, they make public transport services faster and more efficient, encourage more South Australians to use our public transport network which also helps relieve traffic congestion by getting more cars off the road.”

City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said that he was really pleased to see that the project was on track.

“We cannot wait until it is finished and motorists get relief from the dreadful Oaklands Crossing,” Mr Hanna said. 

Federal Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said it was exciting to see work underway on the forty-year-old Oaklands Crossing bottleneck.

“This project means that local residents will be able to get to work or get their children to school more quickly and safely. It will vastly improve access to Westfield Marion, the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre and local businesses,” Ms Flint said.

“I fought hard to secure $95 million in federal funding for Oaklands Crossing so it is finally fixed for my community after 40 long years.  I am delighted that major works are underway and I thank the community for their patience while the grade separation occurs.”

The project is expected to be completed in the second half of next year.

The $174.3 million project is joint funded, with the Australian Government committing $95 million, the State Government $74.3 million and the City of Marion $5 million.