Final design for Glen Osmond Rd upgrade revealed

It’s a major headache for anyone who drives through the southeastern corner of the city – now we can reveal the final, $35m upgrade planned for this intersection.

The final plan for the congestion-busting Glen Osmond and Fullarton roads intersection will be released on Monday.

The $35m upgrade, funded 50:50 by the state and federal governments, will start early next year and is expected to be completed in late 2022.

Public feedback means the project will now include traffic lights at the Main Ave junction with Glen Osmond Rd, with dedicated left and right-hand turn lanes on to Glen Osmond Rd. Transport Minister Corey Wingard said 215 people had commented on the plan and some had raised concerns of pedestrian and cyclist safety.

“In response to concerns we’ve decided to retain and upgrade the existing pedestrian push button crossing on Glen Osmond Rd, which will be relocated approximately 25m to the west,” he said.

A first look at the final plan to solve problems at one of Adelaide's worst intersections, Glen Osmond and Fullarton roads. Picture: supplied.

“We will also include another on Fullarton Rd, just south of the intersection opposite the Arkaba Village Shopping Centre car park.”

However, a minority who had wanted a right-hand turn lane from Fullarton Rd on to Glen Osmond Rd have not won out. Studies showed only about 1000 of 58,000 northbound vehicles daily would use a right turn at Fullarton Rd.

Other changes to the design include better drainage and additional vegetation along the corridor in recognition of the community’s feedback.

The Advertiser revealed in August that a handful of businesses were being forced to hand over part of their properties to make way for the ­upgrade.

Mr Wingard said existing lanes on Fullarton Rd are causing problems due to inadequate capacity, resulting in long delays during peak periods, and there is also a need for additional right-turn capacity from Glen Osmond Road onto Fullarton Road to also right turns from Fullarton Rd would further impact properties, a heritage wall and vegetation.

Federal MP for Sturt James Stevens said when the project was complete, it would improve travel times and road safety, increase intersection capacity and enhance network reliability, while also supporting approximately 50 full-time jobs during construction.