Main construction begins on $985m Northern Connector

Main construction on the $985 million Northern Connector in South Australia has begun this week.

Major works contractor Lendlease has commenced construction at the project’s Southern Interchange – a key component of the project that will link the Northern Expressway with the South Road Superway and Port River Expressway.

The project is aimed at helping to drive economic growth, including benefits for freight and farming transport operators.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said in a statement that Lendlease had formed a partnership with a number of local South Australian contractors to deliver the Northern Connector project, including Catcon, McMahon Services, LR&M Constructions, SEM Civil (Salisbury Earthmovers) and Intract Australia.

“These partnerships demonstrate a new standard in leveraging local industry and employment benefits as part of this almost one-billion dollar investment by the South Australian and Australian Governments,” he said.

“Within the southern interchange, several local northern Adelaide based sub-contractors have already been engaged by Lendlease to deliver plant equipment and labour hire services.

“Already eight former auto industry workers are among the 81 people who have gained work through the on-site NorthHub employment and training centre.”

South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said as construction ramps up, the Northern Connector project is expected to support 480 jobs a year.

“Our commitment that at least 50 percent of all jobs will be filled by northern suburbs residents ensures that locals stand to gain most from the job opportunities created by this massive infrastructure investment,” Mr. Mullighan said.

“Aboriginal workers, long-term unemployed people and trainees are among some of the people who’ve already benefitted from preliminary works including trial embankments, a realignment of the Kings and Bolivar roads intersection and an upgrade at the St Kilda and Robinson roads intersection.”

Lendlease has also created a one-stop on-site jobs, education and training hub, the NorthHub designed to maximise local participation in the project.

The Northern Connector will be a six-lane, 15.5 kilometre motorway providing a vital freight and commuter link between the Northern Expressway, South Road Superway and Port River Expressway.

The project includes the construction of four interchanges, the Southern Interchange, Northern Interchange, Waterloo Corner Interchange and Bolivar Interchange.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2019.