Local suppliers big winners in major transport corridor project

A 78-kilometre non-stop transport corridor through Adelaide is a step closer with the Torrens to Torrens section expected to be finished later this year, and the Darlington Upgrade and Northern Connector due to be completed in 2019.

The North South Corridor will be the major route for north and south bound traffic, including freight vehicles.

Combined the investment on these projects is more than $2.5 billion, and through its Industry Participation Policy, the South Australian Government is committed to ensuring local workers and businesses reap the benefits.

ICN SA has worked closely with both suppliers and major project owners for all three major upgrades.

According to consultant Eddie Ivar, over 100 local contractors and suppliers have so far been engaged on  the Northern Connector project, a six-lane 15.5-kilometre motorway connecting Port Wakefield Road and the Northern Expressway to the Port River Expressway and South Road Superway.

The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure website reports that the project’s focus is on delivering economic benefits to the local community including creating 480 full-time equivalent jobs each year during construction.

When complete, the $885 million Northern Connector will be first major concrete road in South Australia.

Since construction began last year, 140 work packages have been advertised, with about 90 percent of the investment staying local.

Main works contractor Lendlease  was committed to identifying local business capacity, especially Indigenous suppliers, and also established Northhub to help jobseekers from Adelaide’s northern suburbs secure at least half the estimated 480 jobs a year during construction.

‘It’s really exciting to see local businesses get on board to help deliver the Northern Connector, including major South Australian businesses, Liberty OneSteel, Boral and Adelaide Brighton Cement,’ Lendlease project director Danny Parkinson, told the Industry Advocate news.

Lendlease, as well as the Darlington Upgrade joint venture -  Gateway South, engaged ICN early to identify local suppliers at the tender stage.

‘Through the whole life of these projects, the Government and the lead contractors have been committed to supporting local suppliers and local jobs,’ ICN Supply Consultant Eddie Ivar said.

The upgraded North-South Corridor will provide a series of road links connecting the growth areas in the north and the south.

When completed, it will increase economic productivity, as well as improve and road safety.