Tunnels or bridges at every Cross Rd intersection could link South-Eastern Freeway with North-South Corridor

Another of Adelaide’s busiest thoroughfares should be considered for new overpasses, underpasses and tunnels at key cross roads, a peak construction body says.

A peak civil construction organisation is exploring the merits of bridges or underpasses at every major Cross Rd intersection between the South Eastern Freeway and the North-South Corridor.

The Civil Contractors Federation of SA is looking at the viability of upgrading the key Cross Rd link, with tunnels another option.

It is expected to decide by the end of the month if it will lobby the state government for the project.

The grade separation option would involve overpasses or underpasses at Cross Rd intersections with Fullarton, Unley and Goodwood roads.

CCF SA chief executive officer Rebecca Pickering said the concept of ending a national highway at the outskirts of the CBD was “far from ideal”.

“Every South Australian is well familiar with the safety and congestion issues associated with this area,” she said.

“Solutions are required for the Cross Road corridor and may include improvements such as grade separations and clear delineation between transport and freight.”

Waite MP Sam Duluk said the Transport Department should “continue their focus on tunnel projects (like) the North South Corridor”.

“Large cement bridges that tower high into the skies and huge cut outs that burrow below the streetscape will ruin the character of these green leafy suburbs and divide communities,” he said.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Corey Wingard said the government was undertaking a planning study for Cross Rd to “look at future improvement opportunities along the entire corridor”.

Mr Wingard also said the government was diverting more freight off the South Eastern Freeway and Cross Rd with the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass.

It comes as a new survey revealed strong community support for the final stage of the North South Corridor project.

The planned locations of two tunnels that will form part of the upgrade were revealed in June.

Nearly 400 properties will be acquired during construction, which is expected to begin in 2023.

The survey, run by the government’s project team in June and July, was completed by more than 3600 people who frequently use South Road or live near the proposed Torrens to Darlington corridor.

Results showed 75.2 per cent of respondents reported “positive” sentiment toward the project.

It was conducted as part of a five-week community engagement campaign, which also reached more than 1300 people at a series of shopping centre roadshows, and a further 126 residents at pop-up displays.

Mr Wingard said the top issues raised were land acquisition, project design and alignment, project timing, local access and construction impacts.

“After engaging directly with more than 5000 people in five weeks, it’s clear the project has great support from the community,” he said.

“The feedback we’ve received will be considered in the design process to ensure we deliver a world-class asset shaped by locals to the benefit of all South Australians.”

Mr Wingard said the project team will continue to engage with the community over the coming months to talk to residents and businesses about “what any potential changes to their neighbourhood might look like and mean for them”.

Originally published as Tunnels or bridges at every Cross Rd intersection could link South-Eastern Freeway with North-South Corridor