More than 110 workers are installing a 720-tonne bridge structure to replace one of Adelaide’s most congested level crossings.
A three-week closure of the South Road level crossing in Croydon will conclude with its full removal scheduled for January 24.
The bridge is being built out of three prefabricated sections. Acting transport minister Peter Malinauskas said that by using the sections, which were fabricated by South Australian company Samaras, there is minimal disruption to services on the Outer Harbor and Grange lines.
“This level crossing is amongst South Australia’s worst,” Malinauskas said. “More than 150 Grange and Outer Harbor train services pass through the level crossing every weekday.
“This means the boom gates are down for considerable periods during the day which causes frustration, distress and delays for motorists.”
The work is part of the $896 million Torrens to Torrens Project.
Preparation works, including the pre-cast of a concrete retaining wall on the eastern and western sides of South Road, were underway for several months in preparation for the bridge installation, which began on January 2.
Malinauskas said roughly 270 tonnes of Arrium steel will be used for pile reinforcement, rail tracks and concrete deck reinforcement.