Adelaide motorists will be driving on the finished Darlington Upgrade Project this weekend, after final construction elements were completed this week.
The morning commute has now been slashed for thousands of motorists with all new lanes in the lowered motorway open and the speed limit lifted to 80km/h.
The $754.5 million project supported more than 370 jobs per year during construction.
Works on the lowered motorway including rectification works on the eastern walls between Sturt Road and Flinders Drive have finished.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the finished Darlington Upgrade was city-shaping for the people of Adelaide.
"Even during COVID we have made sure that work continued so we could deliver the Darlington Upgrade on time," Mr Tudge said.
"It's another fantastic example of the Morrison and Marshall Government's working together for South Australia."
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said delivering projects that cut commute times means South Australians can spend more time doing what they enjoy.
"Around 73,000 motorists use this section of Main South Road every day and they'll now be able to get where they're going faster," Mr Wingard said.
"The Marshall Government is continuing its track record of being the 20-minute city and supporting our growing population."
Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said reaching this milestone of the project will make a big difference to those in the community.
"I know so many locals who are excited about having better access to Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University," Ms Flint said.
"Being able to get to work, school and the local shops more quickly and safely will mean they can spend more with their family and friends."
Member for Davenport Steve Murray said it's great news for those living in the Southern suburbs.
"This is fantastic for all motorists using the Southern Expressway but particularly those who live in the area," Mr Murray said.
"It's slashing the drive time and speeding up the commute."
The lowered motorway has been progressively opened to traffic from 2019, with speed and lane restrictions in place as construction works have progressed.
All lanes are now open to traffic without restrictions including the lowered motorway speed limit increased to 80km/h between the Southern Expressway and Ayliffes Road.
A partial closure of the lowered motorway will be required in late 2020, for the final asphalt wearing course. Advance notice of this closure will be provided closer to the date.
Some minor finishing works will also be required over the coming months across the project site including landscaping, wayfinding, public art and remediation of the site compound, and signage and speed restrictions will be in place where required during these times.
Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time and take extra care when workers are on site.
Observe speed and lane restrictions, and traffic controllers when travelling through the area.
Other road closures and traffic restrictions may be required and advance notice will be provided.
The Darlington Upgrade Project is another important stage in the delivery of Adelaide's North-South Corridor and consists of an upgrade of approximately 3.3 kilometres of the existing Main South Road
