Funding commitment takes $250m Curtis Rd level crossing removal a step closer

The South Australian Government is matching the Australian Government’s $125 million investment to remove the Curtis Road level crossing in Munno Para. 

The funding is part of the 2025-26 State Budget, and it brings the total investment in the project to $250 million. 

“This partnership with the Albanese Government will deliver a quicker and safer Curtis Road for the thousands of motorists who use this key connector every day. 

“This is an important first step towards alleviating some of the pressures on Curtis Road. 

“The State Government has committed $125 million over the next five years to build the infrastructure needed to support our growing population,” Treasurer Stephen Mullighan MP said. 

This project is vital to the region as several suburbs including Munno Para, Angle Vale, Riverlea, Kudla, Concordia, and Roseworthy are predicted to see significant population and economic growth over the next three decades and beyond. 

Adelaide’s northern suburbs form an important part of the Malinauskas Government’s Housing Roadmap, which seeks to create more homes for South Australians. 

The State Government recently carried out the Northern Adelaide Transport Study, and it identified Curtis Road as an important east west link as well as access route to the North South Corridor. 

The Gawler Railway line currently crosses Curtis Road, about 500 metres west of Main North Road. 

“The northern regions of Adelaide are projected to be our fastest growing in the next 30 years, accounting for 40 per cent of Greater Adelaide’s projected population growth. 

“Significant growth like this needs investment in infrastructure, particularly for important links like Curtis Road, which provides a vital connection between east and west and towards the North-South Corridor. 

“This is Stage One of dealing with the issues on Curtis Road. Northern suburbs commuters have waited long enough, now it’s time to step in and get this done,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said. 

“Curtis Road is a council road, under the care and control of the City of Playford – but unfortunately, the council has only invested $268,000 on enhancements to Curtis Road since 2014. 

“It’s time for other levels of government to step in. 

“Curtis Road suffers from significant congestion, with 20,300 vehicles going through this level crossing each day currently, and extensive future traffic growth predicted. 

“This upgrade will mean no more waiting at busy boom gates, less time stuck in peak hour traffic and improved travel time reliability,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said. 

Artist impression of the Curtis Road level crossing removal (source: SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport)

The Curtis Road level crossing sees approximately 21,000 vehicles pass through each day, and the boom gates can be down for up to 15 minutes every hour during peak periods. 

The removal of the level crossing and grade separation will help improve safety and travel time reliability by reducing road and rail network conflicts – ultimately eliminating this frustrating bottleneck. 

The Curtis Road level crossing removal project is expected to support 425 full time equivalent jobs annually during its construction phase. 

A planning study will soon commence, and a concept design is anticipated to be released next year. Major works will begin in 2027, with an expected project completion in 2030. 

The announcement of funding for the Curtis Road level crossing removal builds on the recent commitment to build a new dual lane roundabout at the Heaslip Road and Curtis Road intersection in Angle Vale. 

Works are also set to commence on critical water and sewer infrastructure projects that will enable new homes to be constructed in Adelaide’s Northern Suburbs. The installation will be streamlined to limit the impact on commuters along Curtis Road. 

The two individual projects will involve the installation of 5,200 metres of new trunk water main as well as 800 metres of new trunk sewer main and a new sewer ventilation system. 

“Smoother, safer roads, new water infrastructure and more homes shows our government is delivering for Northern Suburbs families and businesses. 

“By investing in Curtis Road and the surrounding foundational water infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and improved quality of life for generations to come,” Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion MP said. 

“I join the community in welcoming the continued investment along Curtis Road by the State Government. 

“This combined $250 million investment to remove the level crossing, builds on the combined $30 million to futureproof the Heaslip Road and Curtis Road intersection. 

“Our community expects government at all levels to work together, the State and Federal Governments are playing their parts, it is time for the City of Playford to come to the table,” Federal Member for Spence Matt Burnell said. 

Source: Government of South Australia – Media Releases; Government of South Australia – Department for Infrastructure and Transport (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia