Major works are starting on the Southern Expressway and Majors Road Interchange project in Adelaide’s south, following refinements to the concept design in response to community feedback and additional technical analysis.
Additions to the design include the widening of Majors Road from the Southern Expressway to Lonsdale Highway/Ocean Boulevard to provide two lanes of traffic in both directions. This section of road will also have power lines moved underground to provide further opportunities for increased landscaping and tree planting along Majors Road.
The design refinements mean the on/off ramps will be shortened by approximately 100 metres further minimising impact on land and vegetation.
The design now includes tree planting for the shared use path along Majors Road, to achieve 50 per cent shade coverage when grown, and a realignment of the Patrick Jonker Veloway to the east of the new on/off ramps under Majors Road for improved sightlines.
The $120 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, with each contributing $60 million.
Majors Road is an important arterial road, providing a key connection between Lonsdale Road and Main South Road for 13,200 vehicles per day.
The project will include new on/off-ramps for the Southern Expressway, which itself carries approximately 74,000 vehicles per day between Darlington and the Reynella Interchange.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King highlighted the expected benefits of the project.
“This is a significant investment by the Australian Government to provide crucial access to the Southern Expressway for commuters in southern Adelaide and improve safety, reduce travel times and support jobs and the local economy,” Minister King said.
“Traffic flow across Adelaide’s south will be greatly enhanced due to the Southern Expressway and Majors Road Interchange, which the Australian Government is proud to be jointly funding in partnership with the South Australian Government.”
South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas also touched on the importance of improving road user experience through the project.
“Majors Road is an integral part of our road network in Adelaide’s south and we’re happy to see works begin on an upgrade that will improve the experience for everyone using the road,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“Projects like the Majors Road Interchange help the smooth and safe running of our road network, and we thank motorists and locals for their patience while we complete these works.”
Final project completion is expected at the end of 2025.