Torrens Road is to be raised over the existing Ovingham level crossing, meaning motorists will no longer be delayed in traffic.
The Australian and South Australian governments say they are fulfilling their commitment to fix one of Adelaide’s most frustrating traffic bottlenecks, with major works officially getting underway on the $196 million Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project.
Torrens Road is to be raised over the existing Ovingham level crossing, meaning motorists will no longer be delayed in traffic waiting for rail services to pass, saving valuable time, improving safety and supporting around 265 full-time jobs per year during construction.
Federal urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher said this upgrade would change the way people moved around Adelaide.
“The boom gates at this location are currently down for approximately 22 per cent of the time during the combined AM and PM peak periods,” minister Fletcher said.
“Removing the level crossing will not only improve safety but also cut travel times for the 21,300 vehicles on average that pass through the crossing each day.”
South Australian infrastructure and transport minister Corey Wingard said elevating the road over the rail line would provide the best outcome for the community.
“Out of the options considered, raising the road will improve walkability and create new community open space, as well as have the least disruption for motorists, residents and local businesses,” minister Wingard said.
“The new road can be mostly constructed off-line, assisting to minimise traffic impacts during construction.
“Out of 127 at-grade level crossings in Adelaide we’ve identified 31 that pose the highest risk to users and create the greatest disturbances on the network and it’s great the initiative has recently been added to the Infrastructure Australia priority list. We’re now working to prioritise future projects on the list.”
Senator for South Australia and finance minister Simon Birmingham, said South Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery would be boosted by getting shovels in the ground.
“Over 265 full-time jobs will be supported each year during the construction of the project at Ovingham, bringing much-needed certainty for local workers and businesses,” Birmingham said.
The upgrade at Ovingham also involves the elevation of the western end of Churchill Road, which intersects with Torrens Road approximately 100 metres from the Ovingham Level Crossing heading towards the city, so that it meets the elevated height of Torrens Road.
Piling works are expected to start in May 2021, with project completion in 2023, weather permitting.