The Waterloo Corner Interchange overpass of the A$885m ($630.75m) Northern Connector motorway project in South Australia has been opened to traffic.

The new overpass will take traffic from Waterloo Corner and Port Wakefield Roads, over the six-lane 15.5km Northern Connector, which is under construction. It will give safer access to and from St Kilda and nearby areas.

Upon completion of the Northern Connector project, approximately 10,000 vehicles are expected to use the Waterloo Corner Interchange every day.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the progress was welcome news for the Northern Connector project.

Tudge commented: “The A$885m Northern Connector project is a six-lane, 15.5km motorway providing a vital freight and commuter link between the Northern Expressway, South Road Superway, Port River Expressway and the Salisbury Highway.

“The federal government has committed A$708m ($504.45m) to the project, whereas A$177m ($126.11m) is being provided by the South Australian Government.”

“It forms part of the government’s A$5.3bn ($3.78bn) investment in public transport and road infrastructure across Adelaide and South Australia.”

The federal government has committed A$708m ($504.45m) to the project, whereas A$177m ($126.11m) is being provided by the South Australian Government.

Major works contractor Lendlease selected local contractor LR&M as a key industry partner for the delivery of earthworks and bridge construction.

Approximately 14,000t of asphalt and 650,000t of fill were used to complete the interchange. The 12 bridge beams installed were precast by South Australian firm Bianco Precast.

With the opening of Waterloo Corner Interchange, St Kilda Road will be permanently closed to traffic from Port Wakefield Road from 29 March.