Peak-hour congestion has eased for motorists travelling between Adelaide’s city and airport, with major upgrades now complete at the Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive intersection. The jointly funded $85 million project, delivered by the Albanese and SA Governments, is already improving safety, efficiency and reliability for the more than 60,000 vehicles that pass through the area each day.
The upgrade includes new dedicated turning and through lanes, designed to move peak-hour traffic more smoothly in all directions, along with an extended left-turn lane from Marion Road onto Sir Donald Bradman Drive to improve flow toward the airport. Pedestrians and cyclists also see significant improvements, with bicycle lanes added to every approach and a new pedestrian-actuated crossing on Marion Road near Jenkins Street, creating safer movement through what was once a challenging corridor.
Speeds will return to 60 kilometres per hour ahead of the Christmas holiday period, providing welcome relief for commuters and travellers. Works will resume nearby in early 2026 to complete the Mulga Street Reserve extension, delivering an additional 640 square metres of open space featuring more than 60 mature trees, over 440 shrubs, new seating, a drinking fountain and a public bike repair station. Minor speed and lane restrictions will occur during this stage, though they will be managed to minimise disruption for residents and businesses.
The project has placed strong emphasis on sustainability, recycling more than 1,600 tonnes of concrete and 5,000 tonnes of soil, while incorporating recycled materials into the construction of roads and footpaths. Delivered by South Australian company Bardavcol, the upgrade is supporting more than 125 full-time-equivalent jobs locally.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the benefits of the partnership between the two governments are now clear, noting that “everyone who’s driven or caught the J1 or J2 bus from the city to the airport knows that this intersection used to be a real traffic pinch point,” and that the new configuration now helps “cars, buses, cyclists and pedestrians move around this area more safely.”
South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke said the improvements directly address long-standing community frustrations. She highlighted that the upgrade “will ensure less congestion and queuing for the 60,000 vehicles that pass through this intersection daily,” while also preparing the network for future growth. She added that the project is one of many reshaping how the city moves, noting the progress of the Tram Grade Separation and River Torrens to Darlington projects.
