Urban infrastructure minister Alan Tudge says safety has been improved and congestion reduced through the recently-completed Oaklands Crossing upgrade.
The project lowered the Seaford rail line under the major road intersection between Morphett and Diagonal Roads, 12.8 kilometres south of Adelaide.
Previously the level crossing closed the junction to traffic for 25 per cent of peak periods. With 42,000 vehicles using the intersection each day, Tudge on July 28 said the newly commissioned grade separation meant less queuing and a safer journey for motorists.
“The Oaklands Crossing project has been busting congestion and slashing travel time for eight weeks now,” Tudge said. “And there is plenty more to come in Adelaide and South Australia with billions invested in infrastructure by the Morrison Government to get everyone home sooner and safer.”
The $174 million grade separation was jointly funded by federal ($95 million), state ($74 million) and local ($5 million) governments.
Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said the completion of the project signalled the end of more than four decades of frustration and traffic delays.
“After 40 long years, Oaklands Crossing is finally fixed for my community and I am so proud to have been the first MP to have ever secured a funding commitment to deliver this important project,” Flint said.
“Local residents and motorists will never again have to stop and wait for a train at this intersection with train commuters, pedestrians and cyclists also reaping the benefits of the new Oaklands station and surrounding infrastructure.”