Adelaide residents are one step closer to enjoying improved transport through Adelaide’s main north-south transit corridor, with today’s awarding of a South Road planning study contract to the consortium of Kellogg, Brown, and Root Pty Ltd, URS Australia Pty Ltd and Mott MacDonald Australia Pty Ltd.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, and South Australian Transport Minister, Patrick Conlon, said that the award of the contract was an important milestone in the development of the South Road corridor.

“This study is just one of the many Nation Building initiatives underway in South Australia,” Mr Albanese said.

“It’s part of a series of studies being undertaken to ensure that future construction projects on the South Road corridor will be implemented in a coordinated, strategic manner. We’re aiming to maximise benefits for both freight and commuter traffic.

“The study will develop a plan for a multi-million dollar upgrade of approximately nine kilometres of South Road between the South Road Superway and Gallipoli Underpass as part of a dedicated north-south corridor stretching 78 kilometres from Gawler to Old Noarlunga,” he said.

Starting this month, the planning study will initiate early engagement with local businesses, residents and a range of key stakeholders both on and around the South Road corridor.

“This is a prudent planning initiative – it’s going to deliver an enhanced road network in Adelaide and, ultimately, make it a better place to live, work and do business,” Mr Conlon said.

“The study will assess traffic forecasts, as well as potential environmental, social and economic impacts, to identify the best alignment for the nine kilometre upgrade project,” he said.

“With the Federal and State governments working together on South Australian road infrastructure projects, we’ve already delivered the Northern Expressway and work has commenced on the South Road Superway project” Mr Albanese said.

The Australian Government is providing $70 million through the Nation Building Program to fund planning studies on Adelaide’s north-south corridor, as part of a $500 million commitment to upgrade South Road.

For further information regarding the north-south corridor visit www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au