Traffic will be switched onto the newly constructed section of the duplicated Joy Baluch AM Bridge in Port Augusta for the first time tomorrow, this will allow work to begin to upgrade the existing section of the bridge.
From tomorrow, traffic will use the two lanes of the newly constructed section - initially as one lane in each direction.
Once the existing section is upgraded, it will re-open to take two lanes of traffic westbound, with the new section taking two lanes of traffic eastbound.
Today, thousands of locals are expected to take the unique opportunity to walk over the new section before it opens to traffic, as part of a community event.
The Joy Baluch AM Bridge is an important link in the National Land Transport Network at Port Augusta, providing access across the Spencer Gulf for commuter, commercial and freight vehicles in the northern region of SA.
It is also a key tourist connection to the Eyre Peninsula, northern SA and beyond.
As part of National Highway 1, this network circumnavigates Australia and at approximately 14,500 kilometres, is the longest national highway in the world.
The network joins all capitals except for Canberra.
RELATED:
The $200 million duplication is being funded jointly by the federal and state governments.
The project is supporting 114 fulltime equivalent jobs per year during construction with full construction expected to be completed in late 2022.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said the opening of the new section is a major milestone in the duplication of the bridge, which provides a vital link for commuter, commercial and freight vehicles.
"For too long the Joy Baluch AM Bridge has been a bottleneck, so the opening of the new section puts us on the road towards having the entire duplication up and running," he said.
"This traffic switch will see road users move onto the new section, allowing us to upgrade the existing section.
"Once that is completed, we'll have a fantastic, dual lane link connecting not just both sides of the city but two sides of the entire country.
"When complete, the duplication will also mean better solutions in the event of an emergency."
He said with two lanes either way on two separate structures, they could divert traffic as needed to ensure the vital link would always be open and traffic would always move.
Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock said the Joy Baluch AM Bridge was vital to the National Land Transport Network at Port Augusta, providing access across the Spencer Gulf not just for locals, but for commercial and freight vehicles as they cross Australia from east to west and back again.
"Once complete, the duplicated Joy Baluch AM bridge will become an icon in the region," he said.
"It will mean no more detours and will keep this crossing open.
"I'm looking forward to joining in with thousands of local residents today to take the unique opportunity to walk across the new section of the duplicated bridge."
