Australia commits over $2bn for Adelaide route

Premier for South Australia Steven Marshall said that having the funding locked in place for the whole T2D project means job security for South Australia’s construction sector for the next decade. “This once-in-a-generation project is going to create a record number of jobs for South Australians and underpin the construction industry for the next ten years,” he said.

The Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project is the final stage of the corridor. Once complete, it will deliver 78km of non-stop motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga, cutting 20 minutes from commuting times and bypassing 21 sets of traffic lights.

Prime minister Scott Morrison said this funding would ensure the entire North-South Corridor is delivered. “Our plan for a strong economy in South Australia is all about investing in life-changing infrastructure on our roads and in our important our defence industry projects, creating thousands of jobs in Adelaide,” he said.

“Our government, together with the Marshall government [the government of South Australia], is getting on with delivering what is the most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken in South Australia that will ensure a jobs boom for the next 10 years.

“Today we’re announcing $2.26 billion to help ensure the delivery of the final piece of this complex project, bringing our total investment in the North-South Corridor to over $6.8 billion.”

The 10.5km T2D project will be delivered over two stages, with stage one (Southern Tunnel) connecting Darlington to the Anzac Hwy and stage two (Airport Link and Northern Tunnel) connecting the River Torrens and Anzac Highway.

The Morrison and Marshall governments have already committed AU$5.422bn to Stage 1 on a 50:50 basis.

Marshall added: “Our strong partnership with the Morrison government means we are able to invest in projects that make a real difference to the everyday lives of South Australians and get people home faster and safer to spend more time doing what they love.”

Federal minister for communications, urban infrastructure, cities and the arts Paul Fletcher said the funding for the project builds on an existing $10.7 billion commitment for infrastructure in South Australia. “Set to unlock Adelaide’s traffic network, the T2D will stimulate economic activity, helping ensure people, produce and products arrive where they need to be safer and sooner,” he said. “The Morrison government remains committed to funding the delivery of significant infrastructure projects across South Australia and the nation, getting Australians home sooner and safer and helping freight move more quickly between our cities.”

Federal minister for finance and senator for south australia Simon Birmingham said the T2D would complete South Australia’s largest infrastructure project to deliver commuters a 78km non-stop transit link from Noarlunga to Gawler. “The vision of linking southern and northern Adelaide with a non-stop motorway will finally be fully funded, fully delivered and is set to be a drivers paradise,” he said. “The Darlington interchange and northern stretch of the motorway have been transformational for road users, with this tunnelling of around 60 per cent of the final stretch allowing motorists to bypass approximately 21 sets of traffic lights and have one of the best transport experiences in the nation.

“With close cooperation and coordination, the federal and South Australian governments are backing critical infrastructure projects that are necessary to improving supply chains and helping South Australian commuters get home sooner and safer.”

The design for T2D consists of two tunnel sections joined by a lowered motorway, with the Southern Tunnel to connect Darlington to Anzac Highway, while the Northern Tunnel will be located north of Anzac Highway and connect to Torrensville.

The AU$9.9bn project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments on a 50:50 basis, with construction expected to start in late 2023 and be finished by late 2030.

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