Detailed plans for the crucial northern entry and exit points of the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) southern tunnels have been revealed, as well as a direct connection to Anzac Highway that will allow motorists to get from the southern suburbs towards the Adelaide CBD without stopping at traffic lights.
An elevated ramp will take motorists from the south directly and non-stop from the T2D motorway to Anzac Highway on a new structure over the interchange at South Road, making it easier, safer and quicker to travel to the city.
Federal Minister of Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the announcement on the Anzac Highway connection marked another key milestone in the delivery of the T2D Project.
“The T2D is the final piece of one of the most significant projects in the state’s history and will not only dramatically reduce travel times for people going north and south, but will also make it much quicker and safer for the thousands of motorists travelling into the city,” Minister Fletcher said.
“By alleviating congestion across the city, we’re helping people to get home to their families sooner and safer, we’re helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we’re generating thousands of jobs for South Australians.
“The Morrison Government has invested billions in the North-South Corridor as part of our record $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive the nation’s economic recovery.”
The solution for this vital east/west traffic movement was identified following a rigorous planning and design process, and will be achieved without any property acquisitions on Anzac Highway.
Early designs for the connection between the T2D motorway and Anzac Highway had further acquisition impacts, including local heritage-listed buildings.
While there are vegetation impacts with this solution, the T2D Project is committed to replanting and replacing trees whenever possible, along with exploring other City Shaping options, to ultimately deliver more tree canopy across the project’s footprint.
South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard MP, said the project team will also work with key stakeholders, including the Returned & Services League and Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to ensure the elevated ramp structure and urban design of this location pays appropriate tribute to the ANZACs and all Australian servicemen and servicewomen.
“We understand this will be a change for this part of Anzac Highway but we are committed to making sure this area remains one that all South Australians can be proud of,” Minister Wingard said.
“A key stakeholder working group is being established to ensure this important thoroughfare continues to be an appropriate ANZAC tribute.”
Along with the time-saving connection to the CBD, the map of the area around Glandore and Black Forest reveals how the new motorway will function south of Anzac Highway, helping unblock the journey to other important destinations, including Adelaide Airport and Port Adelaide.
The plans include a pedestrian overpass for people accessing the Black Forest Shopping Centre or Black Forest Primary School, as well as a dedicated drop-off area for families.
“This solution is safer and more convenient than the current crossing on South Road and will encourage children and families to be active by safely walking or cycling to school.
“Those accessing the school by car will also be able to use a new dedicated drop-off and pick-up area right in front of the campus and well away from South Road.
“This proposed layout of the northern portal shows the project is progressing well with complex design issues being resolved for specific sections of the motorway in the lead-up to the release of the milestone Reference Design by the end of 2021.
“This is the biggest road infrastructure project in South Australian history and it will have a practical, permanent and overwhelmingly positive impact not just on Adelaide but the entire state.
“The T2D project is also a powerful employment stimulus with almost 300 jobs already supported in the preparatory stages and more than 4,500 jobs to be supported during construction.”
Additional detail on the map shows how the two three-lane Southern Tunnels – which will be constructed from the Tonsley-Clovelly Park end from 2023 – will ‘surface’ at Glandore, near where the Glenelg tramline overpass crosses current South Road.
Cross Road traffic will connect to the motorway via South Road with a layout that minimises the footprint needed for the motorway, while also maintaining the Adelaide Metro Tram network operations by preserving the ability for trams to return to the Morphettville depot each night for safe storage and maintenance.
The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport is continuing private and confidential conversations with owners and tenants in Glandore whose properties are required for compulsory acquisition.
Since the department wrote to those residents and businesses in late September, more than 90 per cent of property owners have made contact with the department, with more than 90 initial face-to-face meetings scheduled or held.
“We want to give people flexibility about when they need to leave the area and, above all, help them achieve an acceptable outcome.
“We fully appreciate that for those whose properties are required for acquisition this can be a challenging process and an emotional experience and that’s why we’re working with impacted residents in a respectful and sensitive manner.
Construction of the Southern Tunnels is expected to start in late 2023. The first stage of the T2D, connecting Anzac Highway to Darlington, is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, with $5.422 billion committed.
The entire 10.5-kilometre project is to be completed – subject to planning, approvals and funding – in 2030.
