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New bridge installed in $620M Darlington Upgrade project

The 3000-tonne bridge on Main South Road over South Australia’s Southern Expressway will open to traffic as part of the $620 million Darlington Upgrade Project.

In November of 2017, the 180-metre-long bridge was constructed off site and then transported into place using self-propelled modular transporters, similar to remote controlled trailers, which travel at approximately 100 metres an hour.The 3000-tonne bridge on Main South Road over South Australia’s Southern Expressway will open to traffic as part of the $620 million Darlington Upgrade Project.

In order to undertake further excavation, a major traffic switch took place from 20 to 23 of July for northbound traffic.

The traffic switch involved the reconfiguration of northbound traffic on Main South Road between the Southern Expressway and Sturt Road to allow for lowered motorway excavation works in the area.

A second bridge is planned to be installed later this year via the same method to deliver northbound Main South Road traffic over the Southern Expressway to the non-stop lowered motorway.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the Darlington Upgrade was part of the Federal Government’s investment of more than $5 billion in South Australian infrastructure.

“Whether it’s a tradie trying to get to five jobs in a day instead of three, or a parent trying to drop the kids off at school on time we want to ensure people are spending less time stuck in traffic and more time doing the things they’d rather be doing,” he said.

Premier Steven Marshall said that the project was 65 per cent complete and supported approximately 370 jobs per year during construction.

“This project is a vital piece of the North-South Corridor which will help cut travel times for commuters, ease traffic congestion and provide a more efficient freight route once complete,” said Mr Marshall.

Federal Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said this milestone would be welcome news for residents and local businesses in southern Adelaide.

“The traffic switch will result in significant changes for motorists but ultimately means a safer and quicker commute for motorists travelling to work, dropping the kids at school or accessing the Flinders Medical Centre and University precinct,” Ms Flint said.

The $620 million Darlington Upgrade project is expected to be completed by mid-2019 and is jointly funded by the state and federal governments.


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