The final stage of a key road project for Adelaide in South Australia is now going ahead. Funding for the $10.1 billion (A$15.4 billion) South Road Project in South Australia is being provided jointly by the Federal Government and South Australia Government. Three TBMs are being used for the project, with machines being supplied from both Germany and China.
The launch point for the third TBM being used for the project is located at the Central North Construction Precinct in Richmond, between Sir Donald Bradman Drive and Keswick Creek. The TBM will be assembled at this point and when ready, will drive twin 2.2km bores. The launch box for the TBMs will be supported by diaphragm walls going down to a depth of 38m. The diaphragm wall panels are being constructed one at a time.
A bentonite slurry plant has been set up at Central North, which will produce and recycle bentonite to ensure ground stability for the excavation process. When complete, the twin Northern Tunnels will connect James Congdon Drive with the motorway to the south of Grange Road. The River Torrens to Darlington Project will provide a continuous South Road connection once complete. The River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project is the final 10.5km section of the North-South Corridor.
The new route will provide 78km of non-stop, traffic light free motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga. It will allow drivers to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights between the River Torrens and Darlington as they travel between two separate tunnels, connected by an open motorway.
