Adelaide upgrades get going – Infrastructure Magazine

Major upgrades target congestion and safety issues at one of Adelaide’s busiest junctions.

An $85 million project, funded jointly by the Australian and South Australian governments, began this week at the Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive intersection.

The works are intended to create safer, more reliable journeys for the over 60,000 vehicles using the intersection daily.

The upgrade will deliver new dedicated turning and through lanes, an extended left turn lane from Marion Road onto Sir Donald Bradman Drive towards Adelaide Airport, and bike lanes on all approaches.

The improvements are expected to reduce congestion and dangerous rat-running on nearby streets, addressing a long-standing issue for local commuters. Between 2018 and 2022, the intersection saw 28 crashes.

“This intersection has been a significant pain point for commuters, locals and travellers over the last few years,” said South Australian Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis.

“It’s over capacity and very congested. With these upgrades, we’ll improve traffic efficiency, decrease queue lengths and reduce dangerous rat-running on surrounding streets.”

The project will also enhance pedestrian safety, with the installation of a Pedestrian Actuated Crossing on the southern side of the intersection along Marion Road. This will provide a safer crossing option for pedestrians accessing local shops, schools, and public transport.

The works, which include kerbing, drainage, road lighting, electrical infrastructure, and pavement upgrades, are scheduled for completion in early 2026.

The project is expected to support 125 jobs over its duration, with traffic management measures in place to maintain safety during construction.