Tender for $75m Heysen Tunnels upgrade in SA now out to market

The tender for much-needed upgrades on the Heysen Tunnels in South Australia has been released to market, taking this $75 million project a step closer to beginning construction. 

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments and it is expected to support about 155 full-time equivalent jobs. 

“The Heysen Tunnels are an iconic piece of South Australia’s road infrastructure. 

“Some of the tunnels’ systems are outdated and approaching the end of their service life, which is why we are backing the upgrades to keep the tunnel open and traffic moving safely and efficiently. 

“This is another example of the Australian Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action. Through this investment in projects like this one, we are helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our recovery,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

For more information on the tender for the Heysen Tunnels upgrade, you can visit SA Tenders and Contracts here.

The multi-million-dollar project will include upgrading lighting and ventilation, a new fire suppression and traffic management systems as well as an upgraded over-height vehicle detection system and improved communication systems between the tunnel and Traffic Management Centre. 

“This is a vital project for the safe and productive movement of vehicles and freight on the South Eastern Freeway. 

“The Marshall Liberal Government is delivering the works South Australian motorists deserve, to fix the tunnels and provide a safer, compliant piece of infrastructure. 

“This investment will transform and modernise the tunnels to boost road safety and productive. It will also include repairs to the tunnel lining, and new video and thermal imaging equipment to detect incidents in the tunnel,” SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said. 

The tunnels have been in operation for 21 years and will now be receiving a much-needed upgrade that will improve safety and efficiency as well as network reliability for all motorists. 

Works on the Heysen Tunnels upgrade are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2022 and completed in late 2023. 

The $75 million worth of vital upgrade works are in addition to the $35 million South Eastern Freeway Pavement Rehabilitation Project that is already underway. 

Source: Premier of South Australia – Media Releases; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Government of South Australia – Department for Infrastructure and Transport; Government of South Australia – Building What Matters; SA Tenders and Contracts