The South Australian Government has announced that major construction works have started on the A$896m ($656m) upgrade of the Torrens Road to River Torrens section of the North-South Corridor.

In addition to strengthening the productive capacity of Adelaide’s transport network, the project will also support 480 jobs a year during construction.

The 3.7km upgrade will deliver a 3km section of non-stop roadway along one of the busiest sections of the North-South Corridor, significantly reducing congestion and delays.

"The project will help make Adelaide an even better place to live and do business by improving access to key industrial and residential growth areas."

The project will include construction of a 2km section of non-stop lowered motorway, an overpass for the Outer Harbor rail line, delivery of six intersection upgrades, as well as improved cycling and pedestrian routes.

A total of 52,000 vehicles currently use the road daily and following completion of the upgrade, this section of the North-South Corridor will be able to cater for 115,000.

The upgrade will provide more efficient movement of freight and commuters along the North-South Corridor, which will drive economic growth as well as strengthen productivity.

The project will help make Adelaide an even better place to live and do business by improving access to key industrial and residential growth areas.

The upgrading of the Torrens Road to River Torrens section is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.

The Torrens to Torrens project is coupled with the A$620m ($454m) Darlington Upgrade and these North-South Corridor upgrades will support an average of more than 800 jobs a year.

The 2.3km Darlington Upgrade is scheduled to be initiated later this year and expected to be completed in late 2018.

The Australia and South Australia Governments have committed a joint A$1.5bn ($1bn) investment to ensure these two major projects are delivered by the end of 2018.