Detailed design works to remove a major level crossing south of Adelaide will soon begin, after an alliance of McConell Dowell, Mott MacDonald and Arup were awarded a $174.3 million contract this week.
The PTP Alliance was awarded the major crossing removal contract after a competitive tender process, federal cities and urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher announced on January 16.
“Building a rail underpass at Morphett Road will significantly reduce delays for 42,000 vehicles which travel through this level crossing each weekday,” he said.
The Oaklands Crossing is where the Seaford line meets an already busy road intersection, between Morphett and Diagonal Roads.
Congestion is worsened by nearby shops including Bunnings and the Westfield Marion centre, the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, and the adjacent Oaklands railway station.
“On an average weekday the boom gates at Oaklands Crossing are lowered for approximately 25% during peak traffic times,” Fletcher said.
“Removing this level crossing will slash delays for people using this part of the southern suburbs road network by more than 90 minutes a day.”
The Oaklands Crossing project is being jointly funded: $95 million from the Federal Government, $74 million from the SA Government, and $5 million from the City of Marion.
SA transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan said the PTP Alliance had been ordered to prioritise South Australian workers, contractors and suppliers where possible.
“This project will support approximately 160 jobs during major construction, which is expected to start in mid-2018 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2019,” Mullighan said.
“Removing the level crossing will significantly reduce congestion for vehicle traffic held up by the boom gates, while also improving train services for more then 15,000 passengers who use the Seaford line each day.”
To deliver the project, PTP Alliance will lower the Seaford line under the major road intersection, and will rebuild Oaklands station to align it with the new track.
Kris Hanna, Marion’s mayor, said the project would also improve bus and train interchange at the station.
“Pedestrian and cycling connections throughout the Marion precinct and local neighbourhood will also be improved, including a shared use path under Morphett Road adjacent to the underpass,” Hanna said. “The council is also working with the State Government on the opportunities for recreational spaces, parking, residential and commercial developments around the new Oaklands Station.”