Construction of the new rail overpass, as part of the $896 million Torrens to Torrens project, has begun with piling and retaining wall works commencing this week.
The overpass will separate Outer Harbor and Grange trains from vehicle traffic on South Road, improving safety and travel times for motorists.
“More than 150 Grange and Outer Harbor train services pass through the level crossing at South Road every weekday, disrupting the flow of traffic on this major arterial road,” said South Australia Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan in a statement.
“Separating this rail line from vehicle traffic will help to substantially improve travel times for commuters, freight and transport vehicles and all road users who navigate this part of Adelaide’s western suburbs every day,” he said.
A pre-cast concrete retaining wall on the eastern and western sides of South Road is being constructed in preparation for the bridge installation in January 2017.
Approximately 270 tonnes of Arrium steel is being used in the pile reinforcement, rail tracks and concrete deck reinforcement.
South Australian contractor Samaras Group is fabricating the 720-tonne bridge structure.
“By using prefabricated bridge sections and installing them in three separate sections, the T2T Alliance has been able to minimise disruption to services on the Outer Harbor and Grange lines,” added Mr. Mullighan.
The rail overpass will also feature a shared cycling and pedestrian path, completing a key link in the Outer Harbor Greenway.
The bridge structure will be craned into position between 2 to 22 January 2017, during which time services on the Outer Harbor line will be suspended.
This work is part of the $896 million Torrens to Torrens project, which has successfully awarded more than $134 million and more than 96% of contracts to companies providing economic benefits to South Australia.