Major works are officially underway on the $13 million project to bust congestion and keep traffic flowing at the at-capacity intersection of Main North, Kings and McIntyre Roads in Parafield.
The Main North Road, Kings and McIntyre Roads Intersection Upgrade is jointly funded (50:50) by the Morrison and Marshall governments, and is supporting approximately 16 full-time-equivalent jobs per year over the life of the project.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the upgrade, to be delivered by Fulton Hogan, will bust congestion and get commuters home sooner and safer.
"The Morrison Government's commitment is part of the $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund, which includes $374.2 million for 10 congestion-busting infrastructure projects in South Australia," Minister Fletcher said.
"We are investing in critical infrastructure in South Australia to lay the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of COVID-19 and this project forms part of that."
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Corey Wingard MP, who turned the first sod on the project today, said the intersection upgrade formed part of the Marshall Government's record $16.7 billion infrastructure spend.
"This is one of the most congested intersections in Adelaide's northern suburbs, with an average of more than 81,550 vehicles travelling through each day," Minister Wingard said.
"It is already operating at capacity in peak periods, with signal phasing and traffic lanes being fully utilised, creating congestion, and the situation is only going to get worse with increased development occurring nearby.
"Additionally, between 2015 and 2019, there were 77 reported crashes at the intersection, including one fatality, one serious injury crash, 25 minor injury crashes, and 50 property damage crashes.
"By forging ahead with this vital intersection upgrade, we are busting congestion, reducing travel times and improving road safety outcomes while delivering jobs at a time they're needed most."
"This project will fix the poor traffic conditions in the area and reduce motorist frustration," Senator Fawcett said.
"As our economic recovery continues, the Morrison Government's focus continues to be on creating and supporting Australian jobs, and these 16 jobs supported per year over the life of the project are just another promising step.
"These improvements will assist pedestrians and cyclists too, with pedestrian crossings in the intersection to be upgraded with new crossing lights and ramps and new dedicated bicycle lanes on both approaches of Main North Road."
The upgrades include the widening of Main North Road, the installation of an additional right-turn lane into Kings Road, three through-lanes heading south on Main North Road, an additional right-turn lane into McIntyre Road, and three through-lanes heading north on Main North Road.
The works also include an additional through-lane to be installed on Main North Road northeast-bound between Freda Thompson Place and Kings Road and southwest-bound on Main North Road between McIntyre Road and Kesters Road.
The Australian and South Australian governments are jointly funding the $13 million upgrade of the Main North Road, Kings Road and McIntyre Road intersection, with both governments committing $6.5 million.
The works are expected to be complete in mid-2021, weather permitting.
