The Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project is a 10.5 km north-south corridor that will complete the 78 km non-stop connection between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.
Jointly funded by the Australian and SA Governments, the project is estimated to reach $9.9 billion.
Yesterday, the Premier of SA announced that works had started at the southern end of the project corridor around Clovelly Park.
Works included the relocation of SA Power Networks cabling to clear the way for the southern tunnel launch site, with more than $85 million in crucial enabling works now underway.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and The Arts Paul Fletcher said these early enabling works would help the project commence smoothly to its construction phase.
“The Morrison Government has invested billions in the North-South Corridor – the most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken in the state – as part of its record $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive the nation’s world-leading economic recovery,” he said.
The SA Government said a hybrid option would be used to deliver the project, using a combination of tunnels, lowered and ground-level motorways, as well as overpasses and underpasses at key intersections.
Stage One, which is construction of the Southern Tunnel between Anzac Highway and Darlington, will including more than 4 km of tunnel.
Stage Two, which will be the Airport Link and Northern Tunnel between the River Torrens and Anzac Highway, will include a second tunnel and at-surface motorway.
When complete, around 60 per cent of the T2D Project will be comprised of underground tunnels.
SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said getting the initial works done early will help ensure T2D remains on track for first stages of tunnelling in 2023.
Minister Wingard said the T2D project will support more than 4,500 jobs and underpin the state’s construction industry for the next decade, delivering an economic boost for the community.
The North-South Corridor is expected to be completed in 2030.
For more information visit the Premier of South Australia’s website.