A third lane on the South Eastern Freeway is set to be added between Crafers and Stirling in both directions to help ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
The $14.2 million project, jointly funded by the Morrison and Marshall Governments, involves the conversion of the existing emergency lanes into full time traffic lanes and installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) infrastructure.
Currently, almost 54,000 vehicles each day are experiencing increasing traffic congestion on the South Eastern Freeway which is increasing travel times and increasing costs for local, regional and interstate businesses.
It is anticipated that the increased commuter and freight traffic resulting from new developments in the Adelaide Hills, including Mount Barker and Murray Bridge will continue to exacerbate these issues.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this project comprises of the delivery of a non-stop three lane managed motorway, to improve traffic flow on the freeway as well as addressing a key capacity bottleneck.
"The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has a role and responsibility to help build productivity for people in regions, and understand the importance of getting people home sooner and safer," Mr McCormack said.
"This project will also help to reduce the number of accidents, stabilise motorway speeds during periods of high demand and reduce driver frustration."
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said this was an important project in the Marshall Government's $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure works.
"The Marshall Government is working constructively with the Morrison Coalition Government to deliver massive levels of infrastructure funding to keep building South Australia," said Minister Knoll.
"The third lane on the South Eastern Freeway in each direction between Crafers and Stirling will help ease traffic congestion and reduce travel times for the 54,000 motorists using this section of the freeway every day.
"This important upgrade will also improve the passage of freight between South Australia and the eastern states as 10 per cent of the traffic using the freeway are heavy vehicles."
Local Member for Heysen Josh Teague said this project will improve the commute and have a positive impact on a lot of drivers.
"Everyday tens of thousands traveling up and down the freeway to get home or into the city are frustrated by traffic delays in this notorious section," said Mr Teague.
"Adding the third lanes between Crafers and Stirling is a great project that will bust congestion on the freeway and make the journey to and from home for my local residents that much quicker.
"This is a much-needed safety improvement to fix the Crafers to Stirling choke point. Having long called for freeway expansion at this major congestion point, I am proud to see this key safety investment delivered."
The upgrade will incorporate the following works:
- road shoulder widening to allow three trafficable lanes on both the eastbound and westbound side of the Freeway;
- upgrade road lighting for the extent of the works;
- relocation of safety barrier (as required);
- improved drainage;
- upgrading pavement and new bitumen surfacing;
- audio tactile line marking and pavement marking;
- Automated incident detection using Video Automated Incident Detection technology; and
- associated ITS Infrastructure including CCTV and variable speed limit signage.
An Invitation to Supply (ITS) has been released today inviting two companies to tender for the Intelligent Transportation Systems part of the project. Full details are available at Tenders SA.
The successful applicants will then be invited to progress the design and construction of the ITS solution and then work with select construction companies on a tender to deliver the construction works later this year.
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is contributing $7.1 million to deliver this project, representing 50% of the project costs. The South Australian Government is contributing the remaining funds.
