Darlington interchange signage changes underway to aid frustrated drivers
Confused motorists struggling to navigate the new Darlington Interchange will get some help from above, with the government getting to work on making the path clearer.
SA News
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A confusing Adelaide thoroughfare that has been driving people around the bend since it opened in August is set to become easier to navigate this week.
The Transport Department is installing new signage at the $754.5 million Darlington Interchange in a bid to make the ins and outs of the roadway clearer.
A series of videos that show various scenarios, such as how to get from South Rd to Flinders Drive and from Shepherds Hill Rd to South Rd, will also be launched this week.
The Advertiser last month reported that the Department was reviewing the signage at the $754.5 million interchange after motorists declared the roadway confusing and difficult to navigate.
Readers said they had witnessed cars travelling on the wrong side of the road and drivers cutting people off as they tried to find their way through.
Some motorists said they had accidentally ended up in Reynella “because of poor signage”.
From Monday afternoon, news signs are being installed at the interchange, including several that will help to direct people to Flinders Hospital. These will be placed at all approaches.
Some existing signs will also be updated.
Installation of all 10 new signs and the updated signs is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, 32 new videos that show drivers how to navigate the interchange will be launched on the department’s website on Wednesday.
Each user-experience video shows people which exit to take for a single scenario.
One video depicts a southbound car travelling from Ayliffes Rd onto South Rd, while another shows an eastbound vehicle going from Sturt Rd to Flinders Drive.
Transport Minister Corey Wingard said all existing signage at the interchange was compliant and met Australian standards but he and his Department had taken action in response to drivers’ concerns.
“We listened and took on board feedback from the community about the Darlington Upgrade Project,” he said.
“This was a huge project worth more than $750 million and we want to make sure that those using it are realising the full benefits.”
The Darlington interchange project, which was jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, involved the upgrade of 3.3km of Main South Rd.
It included the creation of a non-stop motorway between the Southern Expressway and Tonsley Boulevard, and a lowered non-stop motorway under several roads.
