Infrastructure focus at South Australian major projects conference

The 12th annual South Australian Major Projects conference has highlighted the government’s commitment to continue it focus on upgrading transport infrastructure in South Australia.

The most recent state budget delivered a record $1.1 billion investment for regional road infrastructure upgrades across the state.

It also included $707 million for congestion reducing infrastructure around Adelaide.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Stephan Knoll said he wants to reassure industry that the state government will continue to build South Australia.

“We’ve made it clear that we are not afraid to borrow money, especially while interest rates are at all time lows, to build the productive infrastructure South Australia desperately needs to grow,” he said.

The largest infrastructure project underway is the upgrades to the North-South Corridor, a road running over 100 kilometres from the southern metropolitan suburbs to the inner northern rural area.

A $354 million contract was recently awarded for the Regency to Pym Street section of the corridor.

A consortium of McConnell Dowell, Mott MacDonald Australia and Arup Group will design and construct a new 1.8 kilometre motorway along South Road.

“This massive multi-billion project will underpin the construction industry and thousands of jobs over the life of this almost decade long project,” Mr. Knoll said.

“We’re building public transport infrastructure, including the $615 million Gawler Rail Electrification Project, the $125 million Flinders Link Project and Park ‘n’ Rides along the O-Bahn.”

The government is also undertaking a program to upgrade schools across the state and build a new women’s and children’s hospital.