Major works are underway on the congestion-busting upgrade to the Portrush Road and Magill Road intersection to improve safety, cut travel times and bust congestion for Adelaide drivers.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the jointly funded $98 million project is supporting around 78 full time-equivalent jobs during construction.
"Congestion-busting projects like this one will help tens of thousands of motorists daily, saving them valuable time on their commute and making their journeys safer and more reliable," Minister Fletcher said.
"Around 62,000 vehicles travel through the intersection each day and from 2015 to 2019 there were 50 crashes, including 19 injury-causing crashes and 31 property damage crashes. "Even one crash and one injury on our roads is one too many, which is why delivering safe and efficient roads is a key priority of the Australian Government."
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Corey Wingard MP, said the Marshall Government was getting on with the job of delivering better journeys and economic outcomes for motorists.
"Portrush Road forms part of the National Land Transport Network and the Outer Ring Route, providing an important north-south connection from the South Eastern Freeway around the City of Adelaide," Minister Wingard said.
"Private, commercial, freight and public transport users all currently experience significant delays through the intersection leading to increased costs of travel.
"Portrush and Magill Roads are high-frequency public transport corridors and freight routes so these upgrades will boost connectivity and business efficiency.
"The Marshall Government is building what matters for South Australia and that includes road upgrades across Adelaide to bust congestion and get commuters home faster and safer."
Federal Member for Sturt, James Stevens MP, said he was pleased to see major construction starting today, injecting much-needed jobs and economic stimulus that will benefit the entire community by getting cash flowing across local businesses.
"This has been a notorious intersection for locals for some time, our governments have listened and we have acted by funding this critical upgrade," Mr Stevens said.
"Locals and visitors alike will soon be reaping the benefits of a safer, more efficient route, with the upgraded Portrush and Magill Road intersection expected to be complete next year."
The major works contract for the upgrade of the intersection has been awarded to BMD Constructions.
The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport has undertaken service relocations and early investigation works along Portrush Road and Magill Road to facilitate the intersection upgrade.
Road users are asked to take extra care when workers are on site. Observe speed limits, lane restrictions and traffic controllers when travelling through the area.
Speed restrictions will be in place during the works, and lane restrictions will be implemented intermittently to maintain the safety of road users and workers.
The $98 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments under the $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund.
The intersection will be open to traffic by the end of 2021 with completion expected in early 2022.
