SA’s giant infrastructure wishlist: Adelaide Airport, outback roads and rail line to Aldinga among Canberra cash request

SOUTH Australia has pitched for hundreds of millions of dollars from Canberra to unlock traffic blocks, expand high-speed broadband and extend rail and tram services. See the list of what is planned.

SOUTH Australia has made an ambitious bid for hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to kickstart transport projects across the state.

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan has revealed to The Advertiser his annual wish list of projects in the lead-up to next year’s Federal Budget.

Big winners could be southern residents with a rail extension to Aldinga, the Adelaide Airport with a tramline extension, and business which could be linked to the next phase of the super-fast internet GigCity project for the CBD.

“The State Government stands ready to partner and work with the Federal Government to deliver these critical infrastructure projects, just as we did with the Northern Connector, Darlington, Flinderslink and Oaklands Crossing,’’ Mr Mullighan said.

The wish list is the first step in a two-phase system, asking for independent approval announced in February 2018 from Infrastructure Australia, which allows the projects to be considered for funding in the 2018 Federal Budget.

Infrastructure Australia sits at arm’s length from the Federal Government to approve the viability of projects, but not allocate funds.

In February, it will announce the latest round of projects which then become eligible for billions in cash. In 2017, $60 billion was allocated nationally.

An artist’s impression of the Darlington upgrade project looking south towards the Southern Expressway.

Approval will be sought for upgrades to the Adelaide train network, including park and rides, interchange upgrades, and increased service frequency. Level crossings could be removed at Park Tce, Salisbury; Commercial Rd, Salisbury; Womma Rd, Elizabeth; Brighton Rd, Hove; Goodwood Rd, Goodwood; Marion Rd/Cross Rd, Plympton Park.

The State Government will also lobby for improved access to the Far North and West by sealing and upgrading the Strzelecki Track, road upgrades from Adelaide to Port Augusta, duplication of the Joy Baluch Bridge in Port Augusta, and key freight route upgrades including Yorkey’s Crossing. It has also asked for regional aerodrome upgrades.

The Adelaide Airport application will also seek better intersection upgrades and new access to the terminal precinct for taxis, buses, freight and commercial vehicles, and more cycling and walking options.

An artist’s impression of the Northern Connector project.

The State Government submission obtained by The Advertiser will also push for additional funding to make the north-south corridor through the city non-stop.

RAA senior manager of road safety Charles Mountain welcomed the submission.

“Each of these projects would provide significant improvements to South Australian roads, but it’s particularly good to see the Port Augusta Highway on the priority list,’’ he said.

“As this is the gateway to the north of the state, and given the increasing amount of traffic that’s using this key route each year, an upgrade to the road would greatly improve safety on this long stretch of road.’’

Mr Mountain said an additional southward rail would also be a benefit for road and rail travellers.

“The extension of the Seaford train line to Aldinga, along with Park’n’Ride facilities is a welcome addition, as the population is only expected to continue to grow in Adelaide’s southern suburbs,’’ he said.

He said separating road and rail was an ongoing challenge.

“Network optimisation works at a number of major intersections will also have a substantial impact in reducing congestion across Adelaide,’’ Mr Mountain said.

“By separating rail lines from the road, it improves travel times while also increasing safety for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, at these locations.

“We look forward to seeing how these projects progress through the Infrastructure Australia submission process.’’

Mr Mullighan said over the next four years, the State Government would invest $9.5 billion in infrastructure which would sustain the construction industry and create a lasting legacy.

“We continue to call on the Turnbull Government to come to the table with funding so these projects can be delivered to address the Adelaide’s capacity constraints,’’ he said.

WHAT’S PLANNED

■ Extending the Seaford train line to Aldinga — a $462 million project involving funding from all sources.

■ More Park’n’Rides.

■ Interchange upgrades.

■ Increased public transport frequency.

■ Upgrades to major intersections.

■ Level crossing removals at Park Terrace, Salisbury; Commercial Road, Salisbury; Womma Road, Elizabeth and Brighton Road, Hove.

■ Tram level crossing removal at Goodwood Road, Goodwood; Marion Road, Plympton Park and Cross Road, Plympton Park. This is a $500 million project with funding from multiple sources.

■ Sealing and upgrading the Strzelecki Track. This is a $450 million project with a number of funding sources.

■ Road upgrades from Adelaide to Port Augusta, and Port Augusta and beyond.

■ Duplication of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge in Port Augusta. This is a $210 million project with a number of funding sources.

■ Key freight route upgrades.

■ Regional aerodrome upgrades.

■ Improved access to Adelaide Airport including intersection upgrades and new access to the terminal precinct for taxis, buses, freight and commercial vehicles plus upgrades to public transport options such as new tram link to the Adelaide Airport terminal and more cycling and walking options. This is a $475 million project, with a number of funding sources.

■ Large-scale expansion of broadband infrastructure (GigCity Expansion).

■ Updates for the North-South Corridor and AdeLINK Tram Network initiatives.

Source: Department of Transport