Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have been called for the delivery of the $174.3 million Oaklands Park level crossing removal project in South Australia.
According to Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher, this project – which is a joint project between the Australian, State and Local Governments – will help reduce delays for 42,000 vehicles travelling through this level crossing on weekdays.
“Traffic volumes are expected to grow to 66,000 by 2031, further exacerbating congestion.
“This project proposes a rail underpass extending 400 metres east and west of Oaklands Park level crossing, and will include a new station with an extended 160-metre platform to cater for longer trains,” Mr Fletcher said.
SA Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said that this project will be supporting approximately 160 jobs during its construction.
“Removing the level crossing will significantly reduce congestion for vehicle traffic held up by the boom gates, while also improving train services for the more than 15,000 passengers who use the Seaford line each day.
“The project will also involve improvements to the bus and train interchange, as well as better access to the Marion precinct,” Mr Mullighan said.
According to City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna, the calling for EOIs marks the beginning of the tender process for the design and construction of a solution to the bottleneck.
“We are on track for construction to begin in the first half of next year.
“Marion Council is now working with the State Government to maximise above-ground opportunities around the new Oaklands Station for recreational spaces, parking, and residential and commercial development,” the Mayor said.
Companies and consortia that have been pre-qualified will be given four weeks to prepare and submit an EOI, and the two highest ranking will be invited to submit a Request for Proposal.