Ovingham Level Crossing – Adelaide

Wednesday 7th April 2021 – Media Release

Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project is officially getting underway. The Morrison and Marshall governments are fulfilling their commitment to fixing one of Adelaide’s most frustrating traffic bottlenecks, with major works being started on the $196 million project.

Torrens Road will be raised over the existing Ovingham level crossing, meaning motorists will no longer be delayed in traffic waiting for rail services to pass, saving valuable time, improving safety and supporting around 265 full-time jobs per year during construction.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said this upgrade will change the way people move around Adelaide, improving both travel times and traffic flow.

“The boom gates at this location are currently down for approximately 22 per cent of the time during the combined AM and PM peak periods,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Removing the level crossing will not only improve safety but also cut travel times for the 21,300 vehicles on average that pass through the crossing each day.”

South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Corey Wingard MP, said elevating the road over the rail line will provide the best outcome for the community.

“Out of the options considered, raising the road will improve walkability and create new community open space, as well as have the least disruption for motorists, residents and local businesses,” Minister Wingard said.

“The new road can be mostly constructed off-line, assisting to minimise traffic impacts during construction.

“Out of 127 at-grade level crossings in Adelaide we’ve identified 31 that pose the highest risk to users and create the greatest disturbances on the network and it’s great the initiative has recently been added to the Infrastructure Australia priority list. We’re now working to prioritise future projects on the list.”

Senator for South Australia and Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, said South Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery will be boosted by getting shovels in the ground on critical local infrastructure projects.

“Over 265 full-time jobs will be supported each year during the construction of the project at Ovingham, bringing much-needed certainty for local workers and businesses,” Minister Birmingham said.

“This milestone is yet another demonstration of the Morrison and Marshall governments working together to support jobs and get South Australians home sooner and safer.”

State Member for Adelaide, Rachel Sanderson MP, said it is fantastic to see the project now underway.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is delivering a long-overdue upgrade that will benefit many people in the local area and surrounds,” Minister Sanderson said.

“This project is not only creating vital jobs, but it will also save valuable waiting and travel times and improve green spaces around the intersection.”

The upgrade at Ovingham also involves the elevation of the western end of Churchill Road, which intersects with Torrens Road approximately 100 metres from the Ovingham Level Crossing heading towards the city, so that it meets the elevated height of Torrens Road.

Piling works are expected to start in May 2021, with project completion in 2023, weather permitting.

For more information about the project, visit the Ovingham Level Crossing Removal virtual room here. 

ENDS

Read the Media Release here. 

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