Works begin on SA Heysen Tunnels Refit and Safety Upgrade project

Works are getting underway on an extensive refit and upgrade project on the Heysen Tunnels in South Australia, which will enable the tunnels to continue servicing South Australia in the future. 

The Heysen Tunnels Refit and Safety Upgrade Project will address elements of the tunnels that are nearing or at the end of their service life, improving the Heysen Tunnels’ safety as well as traffic management and incident response capabilities. 

“The Heysen Tunnels have served South Australia well for more than 20 years now, but with technology evolving these upgrades are necessary to keep them operating as effectively as possible. 

“The technology in these tunnels was cutting edge when they opened in 2000, but with much of it now reaching the end of its service life, we’re able to install modern, state-of-the-art equipment. 

“With safety of the South-Eastern freeway a priority for the Malinauskas Labor Government, we are taking steps to future-proof the Heysen Tunnels, so that they can keep operating safely for decades to come,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said. 

The project will include: 

• Upgrading the tunnel lighting to a new LED system 
• Installing a new automated fire suppression system 
• Upgrading the tunnel ventilation system 
• Repairing the tunnel lining and installing monitoring equipment 
• Upgrading the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) equipment, including thermal incident detection systems, new and replacement CCTV, electronic speed and messaging signage and over-height vehicle detection 
• Upgrading the traffic management system to restrict access to the tunnels in the event of an emergency incident 
• Upgrading emergency communication systems, including public address, radio rebroadcast, in-tunnel signage and help phones to improve safety and network reliability 

The Heysen Tunnels cater to approximately 50,000 vehicles a day, with about 10 per cent of which are heavy vehicles. 

McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) Pty Ltd has been appointed as the Managing Contractor for the project, and local sub-contractors and suppliers are going to be engaged to deliver works if needed. 

“McConnell Dowell has delivered some key projects for South Australia; among them the Seaford Rail extension, O-Bahn City Access project and Granite Island Causeway. 

“These works will cause some disruptions to traffic, so it will be important that people plan ahead, check for updates, allow extra travel time where necessary and obey any of the temporary speed or traffic restrictions in place,” Minister Koutsantonis said. 

Project map (source: SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport)

Initial works on the project will include additional investigations and the beginning of tunnel lining repairs that will be undertaken over the next two months. Works are going to be carried out at nights from Sundays to Thursday between 8pm and 6am to minimise the impacts to road users. 

During the delivery period, the Crafers-bound tunnel will be closed to traffic and the Adelaide-bound tunnel will accommodate traffic in both directions. 

A speed limit of 40km/h will also be implemented in both directions on the approach to the tunnels and through the down-track tunnel. From 6am each morning, traffic will return to normal operation with the usual speed limits for both carriageways. 

While works are not expected to be undertaken on Friday and Saturday nights or during public holidays, an advance notice will be provided through onsite message boards, project updates and social media if there are any changes. 

On the other hand, access for emergency service vehicles and to all safety ramps will remain unchanged and there will be no changes to public transport services as well. The two tunnels will also be reopened as needed in an emergency situation. 

The Heysen Tunnels Refit and Safety Upgrade Project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments, with the Australian Government committing $120 million and the State Government contributing $20 million. 

“The Australian Government investment in this project will ensure people can continue to reliably and safely use this crucial and modern traffic link for years to come. 

“This project demonstrates our Government’s commitment to supporting more efficient, resilient and integrated traffic and transport solutions for South Australians,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

The project is being delivered as part of a broader South Eastern Freeway Upgrade that also involves the second stage of the Managed Motorway Measures project. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Government of South Australia – Department for Infrastructure and Transport; InDaily