Builders appointed to deliver SA Port Augusta-Port Wakefield projects

The South Australian Government has awarded CPB Contractors, together with Aurecon Australasia and GHD, the contract to deliver three major projects under the Port Wakefield to Port Augusta Regional Projects Alliance (RPA).

The three projects include the Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication in Port Augusta; the Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication; and the Augusta Highway Planning Project between Port Augusta and Port Wakefield.

“We are pleased to be working with the South Australian Government to ensure that these infrastructure projects are delivered safely and according to schedule. A key focus will be on maximising social and economic benefits to the regional and indigenous community, including employment, training and economic opportunities,” CPB Contractors Managing Director Diego Zumaquero said.

Source: SA Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

The $200 million Joy Baluch (AM) Bridge Duplication Project will include:

• Duplication of the current bridge, with a new road bridge to provide two lanes for eastbound traffic movements across the Spencer Gulf
• Reconfiguration of the existing bridge to provide two lanes, and conversion of the raised bicycle lane, to now provide a shared use pedestrian and cycle path, for east and westbound movements
• Dedicated shared use pedestrian and cycle path. In addition, there will now be an extension of the shared use path along the Augusta Highway from the Mackay Street junction to Flinders Terrace intersection
• Widening of approach road and embankments to achieve a continuous four lane road from Burgoyne Street to Mackay Street
• Installation of traffic signals at the junction of Augusta Highway and Mackay Street. An additional second right turn lane at the junction, will also now be provided
• Installation of bridge barriers to both the new and existing bridges
• Improved earthquake resistance and barrier upgrade of the bridge over the Adelaide and Darwin railway line

The expanded scope of the $122.5 million Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project, on the other hand, will include:

• Two lanes in each direction through the Port Wakefield township with provisions for safe U-turn movements
• A realigned dual carriageway through the Port Wakefield township, allowing for increased parking and landscaping opportunities, as well as safer vehicle and pedestrian movements. This will make it safer to build and reduce disruption to motorists during construction
• A realigned Balaklava Road intersection with the Port Wakefield Highway, allowing for safer turn movements
• New bridges across the Wakefield River
• A new two-lane overpass for traffic travelling southbound from the Copper Coast Highway to Port Wakefield, and for traffic travelling along the Augusta Highway to the Copper Coast Highway
• The new overpass will remove hazardous at-grade turn movements at the intersection of the Port Wakefield Highway, Copper Coast Highway and Augusta Highway

“These three upgrades will provide improved road safety, reduced traffic congestion and greater network resilience for the communities of regional South Australia,” CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer Juan Santamaria said.

Construction on the projects are anticipated to commence this year and are due to be completed in 2022.

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Source: CPB Contractors; CIMIC Group; SA Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (1, 2)