Heysen Tunnels upgrade: New safety features unveiled on South Eastern Freeway

It has frustrated Adelaide Hills commuters for months but a $150 million upgrade to the Heysen Tunnels is now complete. Take a look at the new features that have been installed.

The Heysen Tunnels are ready to operate at full capacity again after a $150m upgrade, bringing a host of new safety features and improvements.

The completed upgrade, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, marks the end of traffic restrictions that had affected South Eastern Freeway commuters during the project.

After opening in 2000 and after almost 25 years of use, many elements of the tunnels were near the end of their service life.

Among the most evident improvements is the installation of more than 1000 new LED lights, designed to improve visibility and reduce energy consumption.

The Heysen Tunnels on the South Eastern Freeway opened in 2000. Picture: NewsWire/Roy VanDerVegt

A new automated fire suppression system and a revamped ventilation system have also been installed, including eight new exhaust fans in the Crafers-bound tunnel and 15 in the Adelaide-bound tunnel.

The ‘Half-Banana Jet Fans’, named for their curved design, will ventilate smoke, exhaust fumes and fog, in a bid to improve air quality, visibility and safety for motorists.

More than 140 CCTV cameras have also been installed, new lane-use management signs put in place and thermal incident detection systems integrated.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis hailed the project’s completion, saying the tunnels will now be ready to meet the challenges of modern traffic and safety standards into the future.

SA Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis. Picture: NewsWire/Roy VanDerVegt

“These tunnels have been in operation for a quarter of a century now, and this upgrade will see them operating at the top of their game for many more years to come,” he said.

While final testing of the systems is set to continue into early next year, motorists can expect only minor disruptions, with traffic management measures in place during quieter periods.

MP for the Adelaide Hills seat of Kavel, Dan Cregan, said the project was a win for locals and Adelaide Hills tourists.

“As a Hills motorist, I’m also thrilled the tunnels will be open again without traffic restrictions in place,” he said.

The Heysen Tunnels’ refit is part of the broader $350m South Eastern Freeway Upgrade project.