Construction History

In May 1995 Federal Government funding for the construction of the project was announced.
In 1996 a small pilot tunnel was constructed under Eagle on the Hill to complete information for design and construction planning. This pilot tunnel was then excavated as part of the Adelaide-bound tunnel. Work started in December 1996 to construct 2.5km of temporary diversion roads at Crafers which were opened in February 1998.

In December 1997 construction of a 1.7km diversion road running from Mira Monte Estate to Mt Osmond Road was completed. This three-lane road incorporated sections of the final Highway and ran around the hillside at the new road level. The old road was then filled to a depth of up to 12 metres to allow completion of the new six-lane Highway. The extra width and higher level provides the Highway with a wide and smooth elevation alignment to and from the tunnels.

In August 1998 workers cut through the Adelaide-bound tunnel and in September cut through the Crafers-bound tunnel.

The new highway opened to traffic on 5th March 2000.