More than 50,000 tonnes of asphalt has now been laid to improve the South Eastern Freeway between the Toll Gate and Crafers, as works move ahead of schedule.
The major asphalting works - the first on this section of the Freeway in more than 20 years - are progressing so well that the next stage of works, covering the outbound lanes between the Heysen Tunnels and Measday Bridge, have been brought forward to start this week.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said this will move the project ahead of schedule, reducing disruptions for motorists after the winter break.
"The pavement rehabilitation works on the Freeway are progressing so well that we've been able to push on and start the next stage early, rather than waiting until after the winter break," Minister Wingard said.
"In order to minimise disruptions to motorists in the long run, we are determined to complete as much work as we can before we pause in July when wintery conditions become too unfavourable for these works.
"This $35 million South Eastern Freeway Pavement Rehabilitation Project, jointly funded with the Federal Government, is supporting 90 jobs during construction as we build what matters for Hills motorists.
"The project has also recently hit a considerable milestone with more than 50,000 tonnes of asphalt now laid.
"That's an incredible achievement for this project, which involves removing a 300 millimetre layer of existing pavement and replacing it with new asphalt, to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the Freeway for all road users."
The first three stages of works are now complete and work is well underway on stage four, which covers the outbound lanes of the Freeway from the Toll Gate to the Heysen Tunnels.
These stage four works are expected to be completed in early June (weather permitting), meaning the entire 12 kilometre section between the Toll Gate and the tunnels will have been rehabilitated and resurfaced, in both directions.
The stage five works will involve pavement rehabilitation of the outbound lanes between the Heysen Tunnels and Measday Bridge.
Project works will pause from late June because the colder temperatures and rain during winter are not conducive to these works. Works will then recommence from around late August.
"I want to thank the many thousands of motorists who use the Freeway every day for their patience and cooperation while these important works are undertaken," Minister Wingard said.
"As we move into the winter break there will be a month or so reprieve from most of the roadwork disruptions being experienced along the Freeway."
Following the completion of resurfacing on outbound lanes between the Toll Gate and Heysen Tunnels, a 60km/h speed restriction will remain in place for around four weeks to enable excess bitumen to be worn to a safe level prior to the regular speed limit being reinstated.
During stage five works in coming weeks, speed restrictions will apply on the Freeway between the Heysen Tunnels and Measday Bridge in both directions, with some lane closures and contraflow at night. Motorists should expect delays, so please plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
