$200m planned for upgrades to congested Adelaide intersections

Congested intersections across Adelaide will receive $194 million for upgrades designed to reduce time spent in traffic, under a State and Federal Government agreement.

Congested intersections across Adelaide will receive $194 million for upgrades designed to reduce time spent in traffic, under a State and Federal Government agreement.

The joint funding will today be announced for an additional two major intersections, following the realignment of Springbank and Daws Rd unveiled earlier this month.

Portrush Rd on approach to the Magill intersection will be widened under a $98 million upgrade to ease gridlock.

The intersection at Cross and Fullarton roads, which is used by at least 60,000 vehicles daily, also will receive a total of $61 million for more through lanes, turning lanes, and slip lanes to be added to improve safety and travel times for parents on the school run.

 

The intersection of Fullarton Road and Cross Road now.

 

An artist’s impression of the upgraded Cross Road and Fullarton Road intersection.

Both projects, which are on the State Government’s traffic priority list, are in an early design stage and yet to be tendered.

But The Advertiser understands businesses on Portrush Rd are likely to be affected by the widening and some land acquisitions will be required during the Cross Rd and Fullarton Rd upgrade.

Premier Steven Marshall said busting urban congestion meant South Australians would spend “less time stuck in traffic and have a safer and quicker journey”.

He said the funding added to the Government’s record $11.3 billion infrastructure pipeline delivered in its first State Budget.

Historical crash data indicates 44 crashes have been reported at the Cross Rd and Fullarton Rd intersection between 2013-17.

Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the Federal Government was committed to getting rid of local congestion headaches.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the infrastructure would set SA up for the next decade and help realise the State Government’s vision of it becoming a “hub for tourism, food and hospitality and lead the country in science and space”.

Meanwhile, State Opposition Infrastructure spokesman Tom Koutsantonis has called on the State Government to reverse its decision to include a realignment of Springbank and Daws roads, and implement Labor’s design, unveiled in 2017.

“It is beyond belief that the Liberals will spend $35 million without removing the two T-junctions which are the major cause of congestion, delays and safety issues,” Mr Koutsantonis said.