Work on Outer Harbor rail overpass has started as part of $896m Torrens to Torrens project

THE installation of a rail overpass means commuters’ days stuck at the South Road level crossing will soon come to an end. But there will be some building pain before that. SEE THE VIDEO

COMMUTERS will face lengthy traffic disruptions when a crucial part of the $896 million Torrens Rd to Torrens River project is installed in January.

Work on the Outer Harbor rail overpass has started and, when completed, will separate the Outer Harbor and Grange train service from traffic on South Rd.

The bridge will be constructed over 20 days beginning on January 2, suspending train services on the Outer Harbor line.

Substitute buses will be provided to commuters.

The construction is predicted to increase travel time during the three-week period but Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said the works had been scheduled for the quieter summer holiday period to minimise disruption.

He said the use of prefabricated concrete bridge sections would significantly shorten the installation period and a host of temporary traffic arrangements would ease congestion.

Mr Mullighan said removing the level crossing and separating more than 150 train services that use the line each day from road traffic would significantly improve safety.

He said travelling times for public transport and motorists would also be cut.

“Separating this rail line from vehicle traffic will help to substantially improve travel times for commuters, freight and transport vehicles and all road users who navigate this part of Adelaide’s western suburbs every day,” Mr Mullighan said.

The state and federal government-funded Torrens to Torrens project will deliver an uninterrupted 4km stretch of South Rd between Torrensville and Croydon Park with three lanes in each direction.