New documents cast doubt on impending decision for North-South tunnels
A decision on tunnels to finish the multi-billion-dollar North-South Corridor has been promised for months – but documents show it’s still a long time away, the Opposition says.
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New tender documents have raised fears a decision on tunnels for the final stage of the North-South corridor has been further delayed.
Tunnels are the preferred option for residents along the 10.5km stretch between River Torrens (near Thebarton) to Darlington because of its ability to save hundreds of properties including icons like the Thebarton Theatre, from a potential wrecking ball.
Former infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll has previously vowed to outline a decision by the middle of 2020.
But a new tender for a “reference design” and “master advisory services” for the final, and most difficult, stage of the project advertised on the government contracts website this week has added fuel to speculation a decision is yet to be made.
For months traders, homeowners and building owners facing a potential wrecking ball along South Road have been calling for clarity on the project.
A tunnel-free design, which would be similar to the Torrens-to-Torrens build, and a hybrid option of two tunnels that would mean traffic returning to the surface between Anzac Hwy and Edward St in Melrose Park are the two option on the table.
A single super tunnel, placed on the agenda by the Liberals when coming into government, has been ruled out.
Opposition infrastructure spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said the tender released this week that seeks Registrations of Interest (ROI) for companies to develop a Reference Design showed the project had stalled.
“It states the Request for Proposal will commence in mid-August 2020 and won’t conclude until October 2020,” he said.
“That means at the very earliest key design work will not start for months.
“Reference design is a critical component in the preparation of a Business Case, final costings and construction tender.”
New Infrastructure Minister Corey Wingard said work was continuing to progress on the North-South corridor project.
“We won’t be rushed into making a decision on the biggest project in the state’s history because the Opposition, with a track record of delivering nothing, says so,” he said.
“An Opposition who dragged their feet on this project and left the hardest and most expensive part to us.”
The State Government are coming under increasing pressure to fast track projects to stimulate the economy.
