The South Australian Government has revealed detailed plans for the crucial northern entry and exit points of the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) southern tunnels, as well as a direct connection to Anzac Highway that will allow motorists to get from the southern suburbs towards the Adelaide CBD without stopping at traffic lights.
An elevated ramp will take motorists from the south directly and non-stop from the T2D motorway to Anzac Highway on a new structure over the interchange at South Road, making it easier, safer and quicker to travel to the city.
Federal Minister of Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the announcement on the Anzac Highway connection marked another key milestone in the delivery of the T2D Project.
“The T2D is the final piece of one of the most significant projects in the state’s history and will not only dramatically reduce travel times for people going north and south, but will also make it much quicker and safer for the thousands of motorists travelling into the city,” Minister Fletcher said.
The solution for this vital east/west traffic movement was identified following a rigorous planning and design process, and will be achieved without any property acquisitions on Anzac Highway.
Early designs for the connection between the T2D motorway and Anzac Highway had further acquisition impacts, including local heritage-listed buildings.
While there are vegetation impacts with this solution, the T2D Project is committed to replanting and replacing trees whenever possible, along with exploring other City Shaping options, to ultimately deliver more tree canopy across the project’s footprint.
South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the project team would also work with key stakeholders, including the Returned and Services League and Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to ensure the elevated ramp structure and urban design of this location pays appropriate tribute to the ANZACs and all Australian servicemen and servicewomen.
Along with the time-saving connection to the CBD, the map of the area around Glandore and Black Forest reveals how the new motorway will function south of Anzac Highway, helping unblock the journey to other important destinations, including Adelaide Airport and Port Adelaide.
The plans include a pedestrian overpass for people accessing the Black Forest Shopping Centre or Black Forest Primary School, as well as a dedicated drop-off area for families.
Additional detail on the map shows how the two three-lane Southern Tunnels – which will be constructed from the Tonsley-Clovelly Park end from 2023 – will ‘surface’ at Glandore, near where the Glenelg tramline overpass crosses current South Road.
Cross Road traffic will connect to the motorway via South Road with a layout that minimises the footprint needed for the motorway, while also maintaining the Adelaide Metro Tram network operations by preserving the ability for trams to return to the Morphettville depot each night for safe storage and maintenance.
A Reference Design is expected to be released by the end of 2021. Major construction of the Southern Tunnels is expected to commence in late 2023, pending relevant approvals, with the entire 10.5-kilometre project expected to be completed in 2030.
The first stage of the T2D, connecting Anzac Highway to Darlington, is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, with $5.422 billion committed.
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