Main construction works are officially under way on Australia’s River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project.
Heavy machinery is on site and construction activity has ramped up at the Southern Precinct in Clovelly Park, marking the start of major works on the A$15.4bn (€8.76bn) South Australian project.
The non-stop South Road project will allow motorists to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights between the River Torrens and Darlington, saving up to 40 minutes of travel time in peak hour traffic.
The Southern Precinct will become the site from where the TBMs will launch to construct the southern tunnels.
Three Herrenknecht TBMs will be deployed on the main tunnels: two will build the twin 4.5km Southern Tunnels, while a third will bore the twin 2.2km Northern Tunnels. TBM works for the Southern Tunnels are planned to begin in the second half of 2026.
The TBM components are being manufactured in Germany and China, before being assembled and factory tested in China. The first TBM is expected to arrive in Adelaide later this year.
Two smaller TBMs will excavate the cross passages between the main tunnels.
South Australia minister for infrastructure and transport Tom Koutsantonis said no time had been wasted in getting on with the largest infrastructure project in South Australian history.
“The T2D Alliance has awarded its first package of works, with local company McMahon Services already delivering an important link road between Norrie Avenue and English Avenue in Clovelly Park, which will help maintain access to and from South Road during T2D main construction,” he said.
“We have full confidence this state-shaping project will be open to traffic as promised by 2031, if not even earlier, providing South Australians with a range of transport, safety, economic and social benefits.”
