Official opening: Thousands of drivers already using Adelaide’s brand new Northern Connector
Thousands of South Australians have already taken their first drive on the Northern Connector – and you can go on a “virtual drive” of the new road link here.
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Thousands of motorists are already using the Northern Connector which was officially opened today.
“It’s enormously popular,” Premier Steven Marshall said as the first streams of motorists used the route to cut about 10 minutes off their journey and enjoy a non-stop drive.
“The Northern Connector is finally open, it’s been a long time coming.
“Now, we’re seeing this massive improvement to productivity in SA but also access to the north of this state and in particular the beautiful Barossa Valley.”
Mr Marshall was speaking shortly after Transport Minister Stephan Knoll – joined by daughter Ruby and family friend Paula Baker – cut a ribbon and became the first non-construction driver on the road.
Built with nearly 3 million of hours of labour and thousands of tonnes of South Australian steel and concrete, the Northern Connector creates a foundation for an economic resurgence north of the city.
An estimated 55,000 vehicles a day will use the route, Mr Knoll said.
“It’s a phenomenal opportunity and game-changer for our state,” he said.
“This has been a local project built by locals, I’m so proud to have been part of it.
“There’s been a lot of blood sweat and tears go into this project.”
Mr Knoll said work would now focus on completing the Regency Rd to Pym Rd upgrade of South Rd and the Darlington project as well as finalising designs on the remainder of the North-South Corridor.
Opposition Transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said the Northern Connector was “great news for motorists”.
“This project was designed and commenced under the former Labor Government as part of a significant investment in a non-stop North-South Corridor,” he said.
“The problem is, the Liberals have wasted the past two years, with no new infrastructure projects on the Infrastructure Australia priority list.”
Tourism operators, food producers and real estate agents also welcomed the opening.
“This is a really strategic piece of infrastructure,” said Anne Morley, chief executive of the regional development board for the Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains.
It provides an easily navigable, quick route from the airport, port and city centre for the whole region, she said.
“And it’s a connection point for a number of pathways,” she said.
