South Rd to be resurfaced in major step towards construction of Torrens to Darlington tunnels

Parts of South Rd are being ripped up and replaced in a key part of work needed before construction can start on the massive T2D tunnelling project.

Work has started to rip up and replace asphalt on South Rd so a new road surface is in place directly over the T2D tunnels.

The first part of resurfacing work is focusing on the northern stretch of South Rd, between James Congdon Dr at Mile End South and Ashwin Pde at Thebarton.

The work started on Tuesday and is scheduled to be finished by June.

The asphalt replacement is part of the ongoing $22m resurfacing works along South Rd, which aims to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the road’s surface before the start of major work on the $15.4bn River Torrens to Darlington Project, which includes twin tunnels.

The tunnels – with a connecting open motorway – will stretch from Richmond to Torrensville and Clovelly Park to Glandore.

The T2D project will complete the North-South Corridor between Gawler and Old Noarlunga, creating a seamless traffic-free journey for the 78km stretch.

An artist impression showing the northern entry and exit points of the Southern Tunnels. The tunnels will surface at Glandore. Supplied: SA Government

In January, work was completed on the corridor’s first construction project; the new Selgar Ave link road, which connects motorists to the Tonsley Innovation District and southbound lanes of South Road.

As part of the new resurfacing, road crews will work at night between 6pm and 7am, Sunday to Friday. No work will be undertaken on Saturday nights.

Some short-term road and footpath closures will be in place to allow the road work, with detours, signage and traffic controllers in place to manage traffic flow and ensure motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can safely navigate around the work areas.

Resurfacing works have now finished on the southern section between Rothesay Ave and Lloyd St, St Marys.

The area between Torrensville and Richmond where the new South Road tunnels will be built. Picture: Nearmaps

In addition, more than 3km of South Rd in both directions have also been resurfaced between Bennet Ave at Melrose Park and Glengarry Ave at Glandore, including the intersection of South and Cross roads, which was completed over the Australia Day long weekend.

The resurfacing of the remaining sections of South Rd between Bennet Ave, Melrose Park and Rothesay Ave, St Marys will begin from mid-2024.

A concept image of the southern portal of the northern tunnels, South Road, part of the Torrens to Darlington project. Supplied: SA Government

Meanwhile, main construction on the Torrens to Darlington project is proposed to start in 2025, with tunnel-boring machine works for the Southern Tunnels planned to begin in 2026 – and project completion expected in 2031.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the T2D project included a commitment to improve the overall road network and surface, which has led to more than 3km of the southern side of South Rd being resurfaced in 2023.

“Work was also completed in January on the section between Rothesay Ave and Lloyd St, St Marys,” he said.

“Work will now commence on the northern side of South Rd between James Congdon Drive, Mile End South and Ashwin Parade, Thebarton.

“These works will ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the road directly above where the T2D tunnels will be.”