The duplication of Main South Road has reached a milestone with the new southbound ramps at the Aldinga Interchange now open, promising safer and more efficient connections for freight and passengers across the Fleurieu region.
Main South Road is a critical corridor carrying approximately 19,000 vehicles daily, with volumes expected to increase to 26,000 by 2036.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King says the progress is a major step for the corridor.
“The Australian Government is pleased to be partnering with the South Australian Government to deliver stage two of the Main South Road duplication from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach,” King says.
She says the new connections will ease pressure on the route.
“Opening the southbound on and off ramps at the new Aldinga Interchange will have significant benefits for the many thousands of people who pass through the area each day, reducing travel times and providing safer and more reliable journeys.”
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke says the interchange is a key milestone.
“The opening of the southbound on and off-ramps at the new Aldinga interchange is a major milestone in an important project that will create better connections for motorists,” Bourke says.
She says the coming months will bring visible progress.
“Over the coming months, you’ll start to see some major changes taking shape across the project, including new road connections, traffic switches and the finishing touches, with crews working hard to keep things moving as we progress towards completion.”
Bourke says the state is also embedding innovation.
“SA is building and we are supporting growing communities with the infrastructure they need, while driving innovation and sustainability in road construction.”
Sustainability is central to the project, with the equivalent of 31 million glass bottles reused in the asphalt mix. The circular approach reduces reliance on natural sand and diverts glass from landfill. More than 100,000 native trees and plants will also be added along the corridor, providing habitat and strengthening the regional landscape.
Federal Member for Kingston Amanda Rishworth says the duplication is already showing benefits.
“With construction due to be completed in 2026, it’s great to already see the benefits of the Main South Road duplication from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach starting to be realised for motorists in southern Adelaide,” Rishworth says.
She says the project yields broader economic benefits.
“Good infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity, which I’m pleased to see is happening at the new Aldinga Interchange – with more to come as stage two is completed.”
State Member for Mawson Leon Bignell says the ramps represent years of local advocacy.
“The opening of these ramps represents a huge milestone for our area, which started a campaign for a duplicated Main South Road almost a decade ago,” Bignell says.
He says the project delivers on long-term safety and access goals.
“This is a classic case of building infrastructure that will last decades, and I want to thank Labor ministers who have backed this in over the years and show my appreciation for locals, led by the Main South Rd Action Group, who fought so hard for the project.”
The Australian and South Australian governments jointly fund stage two of the duplication between Aldinga Beach Road and Sellicks Beach as part of the $810.4 million Fleurieu Connections project. It is expected to support 405 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, with completion anticipated in 2026.