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Frequently Asked Questions

Russell Street / Main Road / Sheoak Road Junctions

How does the proposed concept design improve safety for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists?

Improved safety for all road users is a key aspect of the preferred design with:

  • a new signalised pedestrian crossing for Russell Street;
  • new traffic signals at Main Road and Russell Street to control all right turn movements, which have been the main crash type at this junction;
  • increased sheltered lane storage for right turn movements from Russell Street into Sheoak Road;
  • the removal of right turn movements (emergency vehicles exempt) from Sheoak Road to Old Belair Road (as an alternative, road users will be able to access Old Belair Road to travel north via James Road and the new roundabout at the Old Belair Road / James Road junction);
  • the widening of Main Road near Gloucester Avenue and Sheoak Road to enable traffic to move out of the through lane for turn movements;
  • the construction of a protected right turn lane on Old Belair Road for right turns onto James Road.

How is the proposed concept design “future proofed” for population growth in the area?

The preferred design can accommodate future traffic increases resulting from population growth in the following ways:

  • the extension of the right turn lane into Sheoak Road provides increased vehicle storage;

the widening of Main Road and the installation of an additional right turn lane into Russell Street, combined with the provision of Bus Only right turn into Main Road manages overall traffic efficiency and queues.

Does the proposed concept design improved travel times?

Motorists might experience small increases in travel times as a result of the increased safety at this location.

What happens next?

Project design work will continue in the coming months with feedback from the community used to inform the final upgrade designs.

What is the status of the Old Belair and James Road junction project

The South Australian Government submitted the Old Belair and James Road junction project to Infrastructure SA (ISA) for an independent review, and after reviewing information and considering public commentary regarding the project, ISA recommended to suspend the construction of the roundabout at the James Road / Old Belair Road junction.

Please click here to access the ISA’s full report.

Russell Street, Main Road and Sheoak Road junctions

What consultation has been undertaken on the project?

The Australian and South Australian Governments have committed funding to undertake a number of improvements along the Mitcham Hills Road corridor. As part of this commitment, a planning study was also undertaken, covering two study areas including, Old Belair Road through to the Main Road and Russell Street junction, and the precinct to the west of Blackwood Roundabout incorporating the Shepherds Hill Road, Brighton Parade and Waite Street intersection. In January 2020, information about the study was released to over 8,300 local households and businesses. Included in the release was an invitation to participate in the feedback process, via telephone call, email, website form, survey and three information sessions. A survey attracting over 780 responses measured the level of satisfaction with the current roadways and also helped identify the priority issues for locals and road users. The three drop-in information sessions were held in February 2020 with over 200 recorded attendees. Engagement with residents, community groups and businesses will continue throughout the detailed design and delivery phases.

What is planned at this location?

The South Australian Government has committed $20 million towards the Mitcham Hills Corridor which include the upgrade of the Russell Street, Main Road and Sheoak Road junctions. The project is expected to support around 35 full time equivalent jobs throughout the construction period.

Why is the upgrade required?

The proposed design for the junction provides an outcome that improves safety for road users, through the installation of traffic signals at the Russell Street and Main Road junction, including duplication of the right turn from Main Road to Russell Street. Safety is also increased at the Main Road and Gloucester Avenue junction and the Main Road and Sheoak Road junction by inclusion of median storage on Main Road, at the Main Road and Russell Street junction by improving the road geometry and installing an additional right turn lane into Russell Street and for pedestrians crossing Russell Street through the provision of a new signalised pedestrian crossing of Russell Street, at the proposed new traffic signals.

Is property acquisition required for the project?

Some private property acquisitions are required for this project. All directly impacted property owners have been contacted by the Department.

Are vegetation impacts expected as part of the upgrade?

The project upgrade is in an existing built-up area and environmental impacts are expected to be minimal. Consideration is always given to limiting the removal of vegetation along project corridors as much as possible

Will noise impacts be considered as part of the project?

The Department’s Road Traffic Noise Guidelines (the Guidelines) set out the process to be followed and criteria to be applied when assessing the road traffic noise impacts of infrastructure projects involving new roads and/or major upgrading of existing roads. The Department will engage acoustic consultants in the detailed design phase to undertake a noise assessment for the intersection upgrade project.  Results of the assessment will be used to determine what, if any, and where noise mitigation treatments are appropriate. Please be assured every effort is made by the Department and its construction contractors, to minimise impacts to local residents as much as practically possible.

Have improvements for pedestrians and cyclists been considered in the preferred concept design?

The design includes upgraded pedestrian crossings and traffic islands within the intersection, including new pedestrian crossing lights and ramps, and a new eastbound bicycle lane on Main Road on the approach to the intersection. Cyclist safety has been considered through provision of a dedicated on road bicycle lane through the Russel Street and Main Road intersection for the extent of the works