Works are progressing well on the $174.3 million Oaklands Grade Separation Project - a project that will upgrade the Oaklands Park level crossing - in South Australia with the completion of piling works and the beginning of major excavation works on the project.
Major excavation works will involve digging the lowered rail line as well as building a pedestrian bridge over the rail line to provide direct access to the eastern end of the new station platforms.
“Building a rail underpass at Morphett Road will significantly reduce delays for the 42,000 vehicles which travel through this level crossing each day.
“On an average weekday the boom gates at Oaklands Crossing are lowered for approximately 25% during peak traffic times, so removing this level crossing will slash delays for people using this part of the southern suburbs road network by more than 90 minutes a day,” Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said.
According to Premier Steven Marshall, this upgrade will slash traffic congestion around the Oaklands Crossing, which has frustrated motorists as well as cyclists and pedestrians for years. The Premier added that this project will also make the intersection safer for all commuters passing through.
“Tens of thousands of South Australians use the Seaford line, or drive or cycle through the Oaklands crossing every day to get to work or drop the kids off at school - all commuters will benefit from this project,” Mr Marshall said.
City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said that he is pleased to hear that the project is on track to completion.
Mayor Hanna added: “We cannot wait until it is finished and motorists get relief from the dreadful Oaklands Crossing.”
Federal Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint was also excited to see works are progressing well on the 40-year-old Oaklands Crossing.
“This project means that local residents will be able to get to work or get their children to school more quickly and safely. It will vastly improve access to Westfield Marion, the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre and local businesses,” Ms Flint said.
This multi-million dollar project is going to be delivered by the Public Transport Projects Alliance (PTP Alliance) which is comprised of McConnell Dowell, Mott MacDonald, ARUP and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI).
The Oaklands Crossing Grade Separation Project is expected to support up to 160 jobs during its construction, with local industry participation as a focus of the project - which is in line with the South Australian Industry Participation Policy that promotes the use of local businesses, suppliers and workers.
The upgrade on the Oaklands Crossing is jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments and the City of Marion, with each investing $95 million, $74.3 million and $5 million respectively.
Works on the Oaklands Crossing upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
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Source: Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities; Government of South Australia DPTI