The Australian and South Australian Governments have started soil and utility service investigation works for the A$620m ($514m) Darlington Upgrade project.

Field investigations results are expected to be complete by February 2015 and are said to be important to the further planning, as well as design development of the project.

As part of the works, exploratory drilling holes will be made on the road, verge and footpath area within the project site in order to obtain soil samples and locate utility services.

"The project is set to create about 370 jobs a year and effort will be put in to increase the local employment opportunities for South Australians."

The Darlington Upgrade project is claimed to be one of the largest road investments in South Australia, and will see the upgrade of the 2.3km section of Main South Road between the Southern Expressway and Ayliffes Road.

During the construction period, the project is set to create about 370 jobs a year and effort will be put in to increase the local employment opportunities for South Australians.

With major construction works scheduled to begin in late 2015, completion is expected by the end of 2018.

The investigation works will be undertaken at Main South Road (from Flagstaff Road to Celtic Avenue), Sturt Road (from Shepherds Hill Road to Marion Road) and Ayliffes Road (from the Main South Road intersection to Norman Street).

Work will also be conducted at locations such as Marion Road / Sturt Road intersection, Flinders Drive (200m section from Main South Road intersection), Shepherds Hill Road (200m section from Ayliffes Road intersection), Laffer Drive and Hugh Cairns Avenue.

During the work, speed and lane restrictions will be in place as required and appropriate signage will be in place to advise road users.