South Eastern Freeway uptrack closed after fatal truck crash, Port Rd delays after serious crash

A man has died in a two-truck crash causing widespread traffic woes on the SE Freeway. Meanwhile, a pedestrian was struck by a car at West Croydon. Picture: 7NEWS

A man has died after two trucks crashed on the South Eastern Freeway causing widespread delays as part of the busy thoroughfare remained closed to traffic on Friday night.

Meanwhile, an elderly pedestrian was fighting for life after they were struck by a car on Port Rd.

Police rushed to the uptrack of the freeway after a Hino truck and Isuzu truck collided about 1.45pm Friday.

One driver, a Bridgewater man, 77, died at the scene.

The driver of the Isuzu truck an Adelaide Hills man, 38, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

HAPPENING NOW: The South-Eastern Freeway uptrack has been closed below the Heysen Tunnels with all traffic being diverted onto Mount Barker Road at Eagle On The Hill after a nasty truck crash. The latest in 7NEWS Adelaide at 4pm and 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfFYTVQ#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/FcZDMbEm2w

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) September 24, 2021

A screengrab of traffic.sa.gov.au’s showing heavy delays on the freeway and leading up to it.

The freeway was still closed to traffic from the intersection of Portrush, Glen Osmond and Cross roads for outbound traffic at 6pm Friday.

Light vehicles could detour via Greenhill Rd or Upper Sturt Rd.

The crash happened at the Eagle On The Hill off-ramp.

Major Crash detectives remained at the scene and asked anyone with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

DEVELOPING: A serious crash has sparked traffic chaos for Adelaide Hills commuters with part of the South-Eastern Freeway's uptrack closed. A tilt truck slammed into the back of a tray top carrying steel supplies at Leawood Gardens. The latest in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/d8YS8VVuxX

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) September 24, 2021

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a crash on the uptrack (eastbound side) of the South Eastern Freeway, Leawood Gardens. Traffic is delayed on the Freeway, and please avoid the area if possible @GettrafficSA
#adelaidetrafficpic.twitter.com/fPpu3RNM0t

— South Australia Police (@SAPoliceNews) September 24, 2021

Meanwhile, two lanes on Port Rd were closed for several hours for city-bound commuters after a man, 90, was hit by a car near Minnie St about 2.30pm.

The victim, from Croydon, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with life threatening injuries. The driver of the Kia SUV, a Croydon man, 48, was not injured.

The freeway crash was causing congested traffic at Cross Rd between Fullarton Rd and Glen Osmond Rd, and restrictions were still in place after 7.30pm.

Major Crash investigators were attending the scene.

The delays may be in place for some hours, with traffic already banked up along most of Glen Osmond Rd, down towards the city.

Police are asking motorists to avoid the area.

It comes just days after a new report has endorsed major road upgrades between Murray Bridge and Adelaide’s north to help reduce freight congestion and improve traffic safety on the freeway.

Mt Barker Mayor Ann Ferguson said the soon-to-be released report by Regiona Development Australia and the Southern Hills Local Government Association recommended investment to get more trucks off the South Eastern Freeway.

“It is paramount that we get freight off the freeway for safety,” Ms Ferguson said.

Transport Department chief executive Tony Braxton-Smith said the state government was already working on projects to upgrade the route between Murray Bridge and Truro, which pending funding could replace the 2018 Globelink plan. That plan, which included an export airport at Monarto and new rail and road link around the Adelaide Hills, would have cost about $7bn.