Media Release: Final bridge opens on Torrens Road with better connectivity just over the horizon
The final road bridge of the $801 million Torrens Road to River Torrens project is now open to traffic, bringing improved connectivity to Adelaide’s major freight and transport hubs one step closer.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher visited the Torrens Road Bridge today and said works were progressing well following the recent opening of the Hawker Street road bridge and the Cedar Avenue pedestrian bridge.
“This project will improve freight productivity and cut travel times by better linking the Port of Adelaide, Adelaide Airport, the Islington intermodal terminal and other freight facilities through a four-kilometre, non-stop roadway between Ashwin Parade, Torrensville and Pym Street, Croydon Park, ” Mr Fletcher said.
“The Torrens to Torrens project is one of three key elements, in conjunction with the Darlington Upgrade and Northern Connector projects, being delivered along the North-South Corridor to keep the city moving.
“Not only will these projects deliver future productivity to South Australia, but they are also delivering for the economy now, with the Torrens to Torrens project alone expected to support 480 jobs during the construction phase.”
South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said the opening of Torrens Road Bridge would see excavation works progress along the entire length of the new lowered motorway.
“The new bridge, at the intersection of South Road and Torrens Road, was built in two stages and included excavation of 5,400 m3 of material and the installation of a 1,540 m2 asphalted bridge deck, consisting of 18 31-metre-long bridge beams, each weighing between 56 and 59 tonnes,” Mr Mullighan said.
“The lowered non-stop motorway will provide three lanes in each direction, up to eight metres below the existing surface of South Road.
“This design has taken into consideration the future transport needs of Adelaide and allows for connection to other parts of the non-stop North-South Corridor in the future.”
The $801 million project is being jointly funded with the Australian Government committing up to
$400.5 million and South Australian Government $400.5 million. Construction commenced August 2015 and is expected to be completed late 2018.
For more information about the Torrens Road to River Torrens Project, visit www.t2talliance.com.au.
