Problem

Adelaide’s 78 km North–South Corridor is a key freight and commuter route between Gawler in the north and Old Noarlunga in the south.

Sections of the North–South Corridor that have not been upgraded are subject to slow travel-times and reduced travel time reliability. The 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit found that South Road, which is part of the North–South Corridor, is projected to have a delay cost of $134 million in 2031. North–south traffic congestion is not limited to South Road – it is also evident along parallel routes, such as Marion Road (projected delay cost of $62 million in 2031) and Goodwood Road (projected delay cost of $36 million in 2031).

South Road is currently optimised for north– south travel in Adelaide, given its role as part of the National Land Transport Network and as a prioritised freight corridor. As such, it can impede east–west traffic movements, potentially increasing travel times in those directions.

Potential options

This proposal focuses on the remaining unfunded sections of the North–South Corridor, including upgrades to: Anzac Highway to Darlington; River Torrens to Anzac Highway; and Regency Park to Torrens Road. When completed, the North–South Corridor will be the major transport spine for Adelaide’s north–south traffic over a total distance of 78 km.

Next steps

Proponent to complete business case development (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).