The $174 million Oaklands Crossing Grade Separation Project is officially complete, with a community celebration being held today to mark the occasion and thank the local community for their support throughout the project.
The Oaklands Crossing Project improves safety for all road users and eases traffic congestion as a result of lowering the rail line under the road and removing the level crossing at the intersection of Morphett and Diagonal roads.
On average almost 42,000 vehicles use Morphett Road south of the Oaklands Crossing each day. North of the crossing, an average of 33,200 vehicles use Diagonal Road and 8,700 use Morphett Road.
The project has delivered a 23 per cent improvement in travel times in the AM peak and 25 per cent improvement in the PM peak for commuters on Diagonal and Morphett roads.
Following the formal opening, the community celebration will provide the opportunity to enjoy various market stalls, food and drink options, entertainment, kids activities and guided tours of the project site.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said removing the level crossing had made a huge difference to motorists in the area.
“The Oaklands Crossing project has been busting congestion and slashing travel time for eight weeks now,” Mr Tudge said.
“And there is plenty more to come in Adelaide and South Australia with billions invested in infrastructure by the Morrison Government to get everyone home sooner and safer.”
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the completion of this congestion busting project was excellent news but there was more in the pipeline.
“The Marshall Government has built an $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure works over the next four years so there’s still a lot of congestion busting construction to come,” said Minister Knoll.
“We will keep building South Australia to deliver better roads, cut travel times and build a stronger economy.”
Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said that the completion of the project signalled the end of over four decades of frustration and traffic delays for the local community.
“After 40 long years, Oaklands Crossing is finally fixed for my community and I am so proud to have been the first MP to have ever secured a funding commitment to deliver this important project,” Ms Flint said.
“Local residents and motorists will never again have to stop and wait for a train at this intersection with train commuters, pedestrians and cyclists also reaping the benefits of the new Oaklands station and surrounding infrastructure.
“Oaklands Crossing is proof that we listen to my local community and deliver on the projects that are most important to them.”
Member for Gibson Corey Wingard said that the Oaklands Crossing project has cut travel times for motorists in the area.
“Now this project is complete it means people are spending much less time stuck in traffic and more time at home or wherever it is they are wanting to go,” said Minister Wingard.
“Given the massive success of this grade separation, I know the community are eagerly awaiting the next grade separation in the area at Brighton Road as the Marshall Government continues to bust congestion in the area.”
Mayor of Marion Council Kris Hanna said the project has already improved the lives of local residents and commuters.
“I thank the Federal and State governments for their cooperation with Marion Council on this crucial project,” said Mayor Hanna.
The $174 million Oaklands Crossing Grade Separation project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government ($95 million), the State Government ($74 million) and the City of Marion ($5 million).
