South Australia’s South Eastern Highway between Crafers and Stirling is set to be upgraded with a third traffic lane, which will improve safety and bust congestion on this section of the road.
This project - valued at $14.2 million - is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments, and it will involve converting existing emergency lanes into full-time traffic lanes. An Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) infrastructure will also be installed.
A three-lane non-stop managed motorway will help improve the flow of traffic and help ease bottlenecks on the South Eastern Freeway.
“This project will also help to reduce the number of accidents, stabilise motorway speeds during periods of high demand and reduce driver frustration,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
According to Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll, this project is an important part of the Australian Government’s $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects.
“The third lane on the South Eastern Freeway in each direction between Crafers and Stirling will help ease traffic congestion and reduce travel times for the 54,000 motorists using this section of the freeway every day.
“This important upgrade will also improve the passage of freight between South Australia and the eastern states as 10 per cent of the traffic using the freeway are heavy vehicles,” Mr knoll said.
Scope of works for this project will include:
- Road shoulder widening to allow three trafficable lanes on both the eastbound and westbound side of the Freeway
- Upgrading road lighting for the extent of the works
- Relocation of safety barriers (as required)
- Improved drainage
- Upgrading pavement and new bitumen surfacing
- Audio tactile line marking and pavement marking
- Automated incident detection using Video Automated Incident Detection technology
- Associated ITS infrastructure including CCTV and variable speed limit signage
A tender for the supply of ITS has been released, with two companies tendering. The winning proponent will be progressing the design and construction of the ITS solution and, in addition, will be working on a construction tender with select construction companies.
Major construction works are anticipated to commence later this year.
“Adding the third lanes between Crafers and Stirling is a great project that will bust congestion on the freeway and make the journey to and from home for my local residents that much quicker.
“This is a much-needed safety improvement to fix the Crafers to Stirling choke point. Having long called for freeway expansion at this major congestion point, I am proud to see this key safety investment delivered,” Local Member for Heysen Josh Teague said.
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Source: Premier of South Australia; Australasian Transport News; Prime Mover Magazine; Mirage News; InDaily
