Community Day to Celebrate Completion of the Southern Expressway

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Posted 2014-06-22 by Jenny Esots ⇒ follow

Sun 22 Jun 2014

The Southern Expressway first opened in 1997.

Construction of the expressway commenced in July 1995 and the first stage was opened to traffic on 17 December 1997. Construction commenced on the second stage in February 1999 and was opened to traffic on 9 September 2001. (Source Wikipedia.)

It was terrific for commuters who worked office hours, but not so great for everyone else. It always seemed to be closed when you passed by.

The exit and entry points were confusing. Particularly the Reynella interchange, which had multiple roads intersecting. Pity the poor interstate traveller who was new to the area.

Duplication
Times change and the duplication of the Southern Expressway was deemed necessary. This will be a two way system when completed.

Construction
The construction of a dual expressway has been complicated by the desire to keep the expressway functional during this process. This has enabled peak hour traffic to flow through, albeit at slower speeds.

Most of the overhead bridges have also had to be dismantled and rebuilt, which was a huge logistical job. Some new bridges have been constructed.

The duality of the expressway is nearing completion.

Landscaping has begun. There are less giant excavators and trucks moving vast amounts of earth. The newly adapted entrance way and exit are being established.

It is time to celebrate the completion of the Southern Expressway.

The celebration of the completion of the expressway will include a free open day on Sunday 22 June 2014, from 11.00 am - 3.00 pm.
The location of the open day is on the expressway, under the bridge at the Reynella Interchange.

The public are invited to come along and join in a family friendly community day to celebrate the duplication of the Southern Expressway as it nears two-way operation.

There will be plenty of things to see and do including site tours, stage and street performances, children's and youth activities, exhibitions, construction equipment on show, plus a free sausage sizzle and more! Also, participate in the 'Feet on the Street' record breaking attempt to create the longest line of footprints for a gold coin donation!

Southern Expressway Cycling Challenge - 8.00 am start: As part of the celebration activities, the South Coast Cycling Club are hosting the Southern Expressway Cycling challenge - a 35km handicap race.

For more information check the website :

The event can be accessed in the following ways.

Driving: Enter the expressway at the Marion Road or Sherriffs Road Interchange, park at designated areas and catch a free shuttle bus to the event hub (see map for details). Exit via the Reynella or Beach Road Interchange. Disabled parking will be available next to the event hub, with access to this parking area available via the Marion Road Interchange entry point only – follow the direction of traffic controllers. Access to car parking and the event hub will be available from 10.45am.

Public Transport: Catch a free shuttle bus from Noarlunga Centre adjacent bus stop 66 (western side) OR from the Marion Centre Bus Interchange in Zone I. Buses will run approximately every 15-20 mins between 10.45am and 3.00pm (last bus will depart the event site at 3.15pm).
Cycling or walking: Cyclists can use the veloway and pedestrians can use the shared use path at Reynella to access the event hub.