Upgrades revealed for James Congdon Drive and Sir Donald Bradman Drive intersection

‘Better connectivity’ and a 30 per cent reduction in delays for close to 50,000 drivers have been promised in the government’s bid to fix a troubled western Adelaide intersection.

Western suburbs drivers will finally be able to turn right from James Congdon Drive onto Sir Donald Bradman Drive as part of a $40 million intersection upgrade set to be complete by early 2026.

Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis made the announcement on Saturday, promising “better connectivity” and improved access to the city’s west entrance.

“By delivering more through lanes and turning lanes onto Sir Donald Bradman Drive, we’re making it easier to get from South Road straight to the city,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

A concept design artwork to improve a major intersection which is part of the T2D-aligned associated works at James Congdon Sir Donald Bradman in Adelaide, SA. Picture: Supplied.

The intersection of James Congdon Drive and Sir Donald Bradman Drive — which currently does not allow drivers to make a right turn into the city — has long been a source of frustration and danger for motorist.

Between 2019 and 2023 there were 22 crashes at the intersection, including a fatal accident in February last year.

Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas said the project would achieve more than improved access.

“I’m extremely pleased to see a strong focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety on this project, with new shared-use paths to be installed on James Congdon Drive and Sir Donald Bradman Drive,” Mr Georganas said.

Improved pedestrian crossings and bike paths are part of the design. Picture: Supplied.

An average of 49,000 vehicles use the intersection each day, with a government spokesman claiming the upgrade will reduce peak hour delays in the area by 30 per cent.

The project includes three right turn lanes from James Congdon Drive onto Sir Donald Bradman Drive, as well as pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements for the busy intersection.

“The main works will support 165 full time equivalent jobs during construction,” the spokesman said.

Day and night works will be required for the project, with some speed and lane restrictions considered.

It is understood disruptions will be minimised by completing the work outside of peak hour when possible.

This project is part of the $15.4 billion T2D infrastructure program. Picture: Supplied.

This latest announcement forms part of the government’s whopping $15.4 billion Torrents to Darlington (T2D) project

“This intersection upgrade — particularly the introduction of right turn movements towards the CBD from James Congdon Drive — is critical for the operation of the T2D motorway,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Road users will not only benefit from better connectivity as a result of this project in the short term, but also once the T2D Project is complete, as James Congdon Drive will be a crucial route onto and off the T2D motorway.”

Originally published as Upgrades revealed for James Congdon Drive and Sir Donald Bradman Drive intersection