A family-run Murraylands business has begun fabricating steel tunnel segments for the largest and most complex infrastructure project in South Australian history – the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project being delivered by the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments.
Bowhill Engineering, a metal fabricator located on the River Murray approximately 130km from Adelaide, was awarded a $32 million contract to produce more than 660 segments which will be used to construct the cross passages linking the T2D Project's main tunnels.
Approximately 40 of the segments – weighing about 10 tonnes each – will be produced for the non-stop South Road Project each month, with deliveries scheduled to begin from March this year.
To support production, Bowhill Engineering has invested in state-of-the art manufacturing equipment including:
- Three robotic welding systems located in their new B5 Fabrication Hall.
- A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine used for precision cutting, ensuring each tunnel segment meets exact specifications.
The T2D contract is expected to create more than a dozen jobs at Bowhill Engineering, with its workforce living locally.
The T2D Project's cross passages will be located approximately every 120 metres between the main tunnels and will house equipment to support day-to-day operations. These will also form an important part of the tunnel safety system, allowing access for emergency service personnel and egress for vehicle occupants in the event of an incident.
Bowhill Engineering has contributed to a number of major South Australian infrastructure projects. They have already produced 15 bridges for the North-South Expressway and were involved in the $120 million Majors Road Interchange Project which opened to traffic in October last year.
The T2D Project is the final 10.5km section of the North-South Corridor, and will complete 78km of non-stop, traffic light-free motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.
Drivers will be able to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights between the River Torrens and Darlington as they travel through two separate tunnels, connected by an open motorway.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
The benefits of delivering a non-stop South Road extend far beyond the city to communities across the state.
Bowhill Engineering is a major employer in the region, and this is the biggest contract they've ever been awarded, helping create more job opportunities and skills in the Murraylands.
After years of talk and debate, the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments are getting on with the job of delivering a generational project for our state.
As put by Emily Bourke
The River Torrens to Darlington Project is much more than a motorway – it's helping build skills, careers and long-term opportunities for South Australians.
This is an important milestone for the non-stop South Road project and it's exciting to see the first of the steel segments being fabricated at the Bowhill Engineering workshop.
As put by Simone Bailey, Labor Candidate for Hammond
This is a terrific example of how major infrastructure projects like the T2D are creating real opportunities for regional businesses and workers.
The non-stop South Road will improve travel times in the city but it is a project that benefits the entire state.
As put by Jodie Hawkes, Bowhill Engineering CEO
We're grateful for the confidence placed in regional industry.
Investment like this is about more than the T2D project — it backs regional people, strengthens sovereign capability and delivers lasting economic benefit to the communities where Australians live, work and raise families. We're proud to play our part.
