Major construction begins on $985m Northern Connector project

Major construction works has begun on the $985 million Northern Connector project in South Australia, with local businesses and workers set to reap its benefits. According to Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher, Lendlease – the project’s major works contractor – has commenced major construction on the Southern Interchange.

“The Southern Interchange is a key component of the Northern Connector project which will link the Northern Expressway with the South Road Superway and Port River Expressway.

“This important project will not only help drive economic growth, including substantial benefits for freight and farming transport operators, it will also strengthen local communities and stimulate urban renewal,” said Mr Fletcher.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said that several partnerships between local SA contractors and Lendlease has been made in order to deliver this project, including the following:

• McMahon Services – civil works and bridgeworks on Zone 1: Northern Expressway to St Kilda Road
• LR&M Constructions – civil works and bridgeworks on Zone 2: St Kilda Road to Summer Road
• Catcon – civil works and bridgeworks on Zone 3: Summer Road to Little Para River
• SEM Civil (Salisbury Earthmovers) – civil works on Zone 4: Port Wakefield Road / Bolivar Road intersection
• Intract Australia – construction of shared user path pavements as well as linemaking on Zone 5 and 6, from Little Para River to Salisbury Highway

“These partnerships demonstrate a new standard in leveraging local industry and employment benefits as part of this almost one-billion dollar investment by the South Australian and Australian Governments.

“Within the southern interchange, several local northern Adelaide based sub-contractors have already been engaged by Lendlease to deliver plant equipment and labour hire services,” Mr Weatherill said.

Northern Connector road alignment plan (source: Government of South Australia)

According to South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan, up to 480 jobs a year are expected to be supported by the Northern Connector project as construction ramps up.

“Our commitment that at least 50 percent of all jobs will be filled by northern suburbs residents ensures that locals stand to gain most from the job opportunities created by this massive infrastructure investment,” Mr Mullighan said.

Mr Mullighan also stated that some of the people who have already benefitted from preliminary works include aboriginal workers, long-term unemployed people and trainees. The preliminary works include trial embankments, realignment of the Kings and Bolivar Roads intersection as well as upgrades to the intersection at St Kilda and Robinson Roads.

The Northern Connector project will involve the construction of a 15.5-kilometre six-lane motorway which will provide a vital freight and commuter link between the Northern Expressway, South Road Superway and Port River Expressway.

Earlier this year, Lendlease launched NorthHub – a one-stop-shop employment, training and education hub which was designed to maximise local participation in the Northern Connector project.

This project is expected to be completed by December 2019.

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Source: Premier of South Australia, Minister for Urban Infrastructure and ICN Gateway