Australia’s key road upgrade

A major highway project could boost connectivity in Australia. The country’s South Road upgrade would cost close to US$5.43 billion (A$7 billion) over the next 10 years. The proposal is to turn the South Road in Adelaide into a non-stop north-south corridor. To complete the work, another 34km of road needs to be developed. The strategy shows 10 different road projects need to be finished at a total $5.38 billion in today's money, and does not include two projects that have already received financing, namely the River Torrens to Torrens Road upgrade and the Darlington Road upgrade. Costs include constructing lowered and elevated sections of roadway, and also buying businesses, homes and land that will cost over $792 million alone. The section of South Road between Torrensville and Anzac Highway is highlighted in the planning study and is the most expensive. It will cost $1.82 billion to improve that section and will include short tunnels under Henley Beach Road, Sir Donald Bradman Drive and James Congdon Drive. The $6.73 billion strategy was prepared by the state government of South Australia.