The $354 million Regency to Pym Street project has been resealed in part using recyclable materials, such as plastic bags and printer cartridges, saving 9.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
110,000 plastic bags, 324kg of recycled canola oil, 2500 printer cartridges and 207 tonnes of recycled asphalt were re-used in the sealing process instead of being sent to the landfill.
The project, which is part of the South Australian Government’s $12.9 billion infrastructure spend, is creating hundreds of local jobs each year.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Stephan Knoll, said, “Through our $12.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure works we will create thousands of local jobs, reduce travel times and importantly improve road safety across our state.
“The Regency to Pym Project is a $354 million piece of the North-South Corridor puzzle that will create hundreds of jobs per year and will mean motorists will not have to stop at a single traffic light between the River Torrens and Gawler.
“As part of this project, the team sealed the construction office car park with 100 per cent recyclable materials.”
This saved 9.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of taking nine cars off the roads.
“The project will also be supporting a trial of the addition of plastic to the asphalt mix on a section of road pavement and will be exploring further opportunities to use recyclable materials on other aspects of the works,” Mr Knoll said.
Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs, said South Australia continued to lead the nation in sustainable waste management.
“As a Government we are always looking at ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment for future generations.
“South Australia has been a nation leader in waste management, pioneering container deposit legislation, banning plastic bags and being the first mover as we look to remove single use plastics.
“The Marshall Government is leading by example and is exploring innovative ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable waste management initiatives,” Mr Speirs said.