Major works have officially started on the jointly funded South Eastern Freeway Managed Motorway Measures Project – converting the existing emergency lane into a third full-time travel lane - as part of the Marshall Government's record $12.9 billion investment in infrastructure.
The project will see an additional lane on the citybound (Stirling to Crafers) and outbound (Crafers to Stirling) carriageways between Crafers and Stirling to ease bus congestion, reduce travel times and get people home faster and safer.
The South Eastern Freeway is the most direct corridor between Adelaide and Melbourne providing a vital link in moving freight between eastern and central Australia.
Premier Steven Marshall said this is one of dozens of important projects to be delivered as part of a record $12.9 billion infrastructure spend and will support around 35 jobs during construction.
"We are investing billions of dollars across the state into projects that will create thousands of jobs and help support the South Australian economy as we navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic," the Premier said.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the project will improve safety and traffic flow for around 54,000 vehicles that use this section of the freeway each day.
"We want to deliver a road network that gets commuters home to their families faster but also safely," Minister Wingard said.
"No one wants to sit in traffic when they could be spending more time with their loved ones and that's why we're spending billions on projects that will help bust congestion across the city.
"As well as adding an additional lane, the project will see the installation of Intelligent Transport Systems, LED lighting, shoulder construction, modifications to the existing ramps, median construction, improved drainage, new safety barrier, asphalt works and kerbing.
"A Lane Use Management System will also be installed to better direct traffic and alert motorists to incidents or accidents further down the freeway."
Main works are expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting, with testing and commissioning to take place in early 2021.
Motorists are asked to please plan ahead and allow extra travel time, take extra care when workers are on site, and observe speed and lane restrictions and signage when travelling through the area.
