Stirling Interchange Drainage Upgrade
- 3.5 million
- DIT
- Adelaide Hills, SA
- Pipelines
- Design and Construct
Background
The Stirling Interchange is located on the South Eastern Freeway in South Australia, approximately 16 km from Adelaide’s CBD. The freeway is a critical traffic corridor connecting Adelaide to regional SA and Victoria. Interstate freight movements deliver around 30,000 tonnes daily, representing around half the State’s interstate goods transport.
Two options were considered for the deteriorated twin 1500 mm pipes. The first was the traditional method of replacing the culvert with new reinforced concrete pipes on a new alignment. This would have caused major disruption to the busy South Eastern Freeway traffic and considerable angst and economic loss. The preferred option was to resleeve of the existing steel pipes with minimum 1050 mm diameter reinforced concrete pipes. The above-ground works were contained within the interchange and the resleeving option eliminated extensive excavation. This approach avoided disruption to the free flow of traffic on the freeway, and minimised disruption and delays on the access ramps.
Outcomes
The project was a resounding success due to innovative design, sound engineering practices and the collaborative partnering approach between DIT and Leed.
The upgrade was completed ahead of time and under budget without impacting the major trade route in and out of Adelaide despite the third-wettest summer on record.
