Paving begins on $885M Northern Connector concrete road

Concrete paving is underway on South Australia’s first major concrete road as part of the $885 million Northern Connector project.

The Northern Connector aims to improve freight access to Port Adelaide and industrial reads in the north and northwest of Adelaide, reduce travel times and improve safety for freight and commuter traffic.

It also aims to create an uninterrupted 43-kilometre route between Gawler and Regency Park, linking the Northern Expressway to the northern end of the South Road Superway and building four road interchanges.

SA Premier Steven Marshall said South Australian jobs were the State Government’s priority, with at least 480 jobs being supported over the life of the project.

“The choice to use concrete will create an extra 40 jobs, including batch plant workers, truck drivers and paving plant operators—contributing an estimated additional $11 million to local industry,” Mr Marshall said.

SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said approximately 13 kilometres of the 15.5-kilometre Northern Connector alignment would be paved using concrete, excluding the four interchanges, which will be asphalt.

“This will be South Australia’s first major concrete road, offering increased durability and the best value for money when it comes to maintenance—with a saving of approximately 42 per cent in comparison to asphalt,” Mr Knoll said.

Senator for South Australia David Fawcett said the jobs would remain local.

“This aspect of the project in particular will galvanise the local economy, with the cement and quarry materials to be sourced from local businesses,” Senator Fawcett said.

The Federal Government has committed $708 million towards the project with the SA Government contributing the remaining $177 million.