The Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments' duplication of Main South Road between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach (south of Adelaide) will open to traffic tomorrow, improving travel times and safety for motorists heading to the Fleurieu Peninsula and beyond.
The entire Main South Road duplication project is now complete.
This includes a new interchange at Aldinga, featuring a new underpass and improved crossings to Aldinga and Willunga, as well as the dual carriageway between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach.
The completion delivers on the South Australian Government's election commitment to continue the first stage of the duplication of Main South Road between Seaford and Aldinga, completed in late 2023, all the way through to Sellicks Beach.
Stage 2 of the Main South Road duplication from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach has been delivered as part of the $810.4 million Fleurieu Connections Project, with funding contributions of $221.6 million from the Australian Government and $588.8 million from the South Australian Government.
Main South Road is a critical link between Adelaide and the Fleurieu region and carries about 19,000 vehicles a day, with traffic volumes expected to grow to 26,000 vehicles a day by 2036.
Along with the duplication, the installation of wide centre medians and wire rope safety barriers to separate northbound and southbound traffic will improve safety and help prevent head on crashes.
Other features of the project include two U-turn bays to facilitate local access, intersection upgrades at Hart and Colville Roads, Norman and Rogers Roads, and Hahn and Cox Roads, as well as upgrades at Perth Street and a realigned Sellicks Beach Road that improves sight lines and safety.
The project also includes the construction of a shared use path along the western side of Main South Road.
This new path finishes a continuous, dedicated pedestrian and cyclist link from Seaford to Sellicks Beach, encouraging active transport and better connecting local communities.
Stage 2 supported 405 full-time-equivalent jobs over the construction period.
Approximately 95 per cent of project contracts were awarded to South Australian businesses.
More than two million work hours were delivered by local people across planning, construction, traffic management, environmental services and support roles.
More than 9,000 tonnes of glass - the equivalent of 43 million recycled glass bottles including wine bottles from the region - was repurposed in the construction of the roadway from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach.
This demonstrates how sustainable construction materials can be used on a major infrastructure project.
The focus on sustainability has also extended to the natural environment, with close to 100,000 native trees, shrubs and understory being planted along the corridor.
Speed restrictions will remain in place on the newly opened duplication and the underpass over the coming months as finishing works are completed.
Please take care and observe signage.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The completed duplication and the new Aldinga Interchange will mean smoother, safer and more efficient journeys for locals and anyone visiting the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula.
"It's terrific that the Fleurieu Connections project has supported SA businesses to grow and thrive, highlighting our commitment to support local communities and utilise state-based workforces.
"Thank you to everyone in the area for their patience and their consideration of the roadside workers throughout the construction of this significant project."
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke:
"The opening of the new duplication between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach now completes approximately 17 kilometres of full duplication along Main South Road.
"This delivers on our government's commitment to ease congestion, improve travel times, and enhance road safety along this key route to and from the Fleurieu region.
"Supporting local business has been a priority throughout the project, with more than 99 per cent of the workforce engaged on the project from South Australia."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Kingston Amanda Rishworth:
"The opening of this newly duplicated stretch is a significant win for the thousands of motorists who travel through this area daily.
"These upgrades will make it safer and easier to travel throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula, helping all South Australians to enjoy our incredible coastline and support our local businesses."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Mawson Leon Bignall:
"This is an important and historic moment for the people of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island who now have one of the best and safest roads in South Australia.
"Labor made a commitment in 2017 to duplicate Main South Road from Seaford to Sellicks and it's been terrific to see it come to fruition.
"We built this road to honour those who died and were seriously injured on the old, unsafe South Rd and it would not have happened without a tremendous community campaign led by the Main South Road Action Group.
"In particular I'd like to pay tribute to Craig Curtis and Fred Shiels who are living proof that locals, working with a local MP can bring about change for good.
"Everyone in our area owes them a debt of gratitude."
