BACKGROUND: ADELAIDE’S NORTH-SOUTH CORRIDOR
The North-South Corridor is recognised as one of Adelaide’s most important transport routes and serves as the primary route for north- and southbound traffic, including freight vehicles, spanning 78 kilometres between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.
B&R undertook the South Road Superway project, which, at the time of its construction, represents the largest single investment in a South Australian road project and is considered the state’s most complex engineering road construction project.
The Superway connects industries to air and sea ports, intermodal sites and meets future residential and industrial demands, supporting long-term growth in mining, interstate exports, and manufacturing investment. B&R will continue to contribute to further developments within this vital corridor.
Infrastructure Impact: The Superway significantly enhances transportation efficiency, bolstering economic development by improving access to industrial areas and facilitating logistics for businesses, which is crucial for a growing population.
Engineering Challenges: Key challenges include ensuring structural integrity for safety, mitigating environmental impacts, and protecting sensitive electronic equipment from vandalism and harsh outdoor conditions.
THE SOLUTION
Field Enclosures: To address the challenge of protecting electronic equipment used in the Superway, B&R provides tailored solutions, including ITS, Node, and Double Bay cabinets.
Cabinet Specifications:
- Node Cabinet: 38RU, overall dimensions 1975H x 755W x 620D.
- ITS and Double Bay Cabinets: 38RU, overall dimensions 1675H x 755W x 620D.
KEY FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF ITS CABINETS
As the only Australian cabinet manufacturer used by all major road and traffic authorities, B&R’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) road cabinets are specialised enclosures designed to house electronic equipment essential for managing and controlling traffic systems. Key functions include traffic signal control, communication, monitoring and surveillance, power distribution and protection for electronic equipment against the elements. Overall, these cabinets play a crucial role in enhancing road safety, improving traffic flow and supporting smarter transportation systems.
PERFORMANCE AND LONGEVITY
- Protection Rating: The enclosures feature an IP56 protection rating, ensuring reliable performance in challenging outdoor conditions.
- Material Durability: The use of aluminium in the design provides a life expectancy of over 25 years, contingent upon proper maintenance.
- Temperature Control: B&R fits the cabinets with EGO Air Conditioner units, maintaining internal temperatures below ambient levels, which is critical for the sensitive electronic systems housed within.
THE RESULT
The South Road Superway project not only stands as a testament to South Australia’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure but also highlights the importance of choosing the right components to ensure project success.
The collaboration with B&R exemplifies how innovative engineering solutions address specific challenges in complex construction projects. Through careful planning and execution, the Superway paves the way for future growth, making a lasting impact on the region’s economy and transport network. The integration of advanced ITS cabinets further enhances the project’s effectiveness, providing essential support for a smarter, safer transportation system.
