The removal of the Oaklands Park level crossing is another step closer with expressions of interest called for the $174.3 million project and support up to approximately 160 jobs during construction.
“We want to get on with this project so that we can deliver the road and rail benefits to the tens of thousands of people who travel through this part of the southern suburbs every day,” South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said.
Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said the joint Australian, State and Local Government project would reduce delays for the 42,000 vehicles which travel through this level crossing each weekday.
“Traffic volumes are expected to grow to 66,000 by 2031, further exacerbating congestion,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This project proposes a rail underpass extending 400 metres east and west of the Oaklands Park level crossing, and will include a new station with an extended 160-metre platform to cater for longer trains,” he added.
City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said calling for expressions of interest marked the start of the tender process to design and construct a solution to the bottleneck.
“We are on track for construction to begin in the first half of next year,” Mayor Hanna said.
“Marion Council is now working with the State Government to maximise above-ground opportunities around the new Oaklands Station for recreational spaces, parking, and residential and commercial development.”
Prequalified companies and consortia will have four weeks to prepare and submit an expression of interest, with the two highest ranking invited to submit a Request for Proposal.