More SA jobs as work starts on $620m Darlington Upgrade

Hundreds of South Australians are set to gain work on the next stage of the North-South Corridor, with the start of major works on the $620 million Darlington Upgrade Project.

Federal Major Projects Minister Paul Fletcher said the project would support about 370 jobs a year during major construction, which started today.

“The 3.3 kilometre upgrade will deliver a non-stop roadway between the Tonsley Precinct and the Southern Expressway, bypassing five signalised intersections and providing service road links for local traffic,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The project also includes a free-flowing interchange at the Southern Expressway. Moving freight and commuters more efficiently along the North-South Corridor will drive economic growth and boost productivity to help build the South Australian economy.

“This project will also make Adelaide an even better place to live and work, by improving access to the growing southern suburbs and Fleurieu Peninsula.”

The major contract was awarded to Gateway South, a joint venture between Fulton Hogan and Laing O’Rourke, in December, when the Australian and South Australian Governments announced the project would be extended by one kilometre.

South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the project was being conducted in line with the State Government’s Industry Participation Policy, meaning local South Australian businesses and workers will benefit most from this major project.

“Gateway South is committed to the South Australian Industry Participation Policy and will provide full, fair and reasonable opportunities for industry to participate in the Darlington Upgrade Project,” Mr Mullighan said.

“This project is another example of the Australian and South Australian Government working together to create jobs and grow the South Australian economy by investing in infrastructure.

“We are also continuing to work together on a plan to extend the Tonsley train line to the Flinders Medical Centre.”

The Australian Government will contribute $496 million for the Darlington Upgrade Project and the State Government $124 million. The Darlington Upgrade Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.