THE $68 million Gawler East Link Road (GELR) is still scheduled for completion by the end of September, despite delays in consulting residents affected by noise concerns.

Both the State Government and Gawler Council confirmed last week the project was on track to be finished by the end of third quarter of this year, despite the financial and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elected members discussed an updated report on the GELR’s progress last week, where it was noted the project was on schedule, but was still working under a tight budget which would see some works – such as landscaping – delayed.

According to the report, discussions with nearby residents regarding noise pollution is around three months behind schedule due to the pandemic making meetings with homeowners untenable.

Almost 60 properties have qualified for a “second stage” assessment of noise impacts, with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) to install attenuation infrastructure for eligible homes.

This work is unlikely to be finished before the GELR is officially opened though, meaning nearby homes could be stuck with expected traffic noise when vehicles hit the road.

“Prior to COVID-19, some residents were able to book in and have their follow up inspections conducted whilst all others have had to wait until more recently for the bookings to resume,” the report read.

“The noise attenuation works would ideally be completed prior to the opening of the GELR, however, it is unlikely due to the COVID-19 delays.”

The report also mentioned residents near a proposed petrol station at the intersection of Calton Road and the GELR at Gawler East were worried the development would have major light and noise pollution effects on their properties.

In a letter to those residents, council chief executive Henry Inat said staff would look to plant extra trees in the area surrounding the proposed service station to mitigate light and noise pollution.

He wrote that Springwood had submitted an environmental noise assessment report which concluded the facility would not impact surrounding properties, but council would look at other mitigation risks anyway.

The GELR’s opening was set to be marked with a major community event, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made this unlikely.

Transport minister Stephan Knoll was excited to see the GELR project headed towards its conclusion.

“We are quickly approaching the completion of this important $68 million project, which once complete, will reduce travel times, reduce the likelihood of crashes and minimise vehicle emissions caused by travel delays,” he said.

In June, Gawler Council wrote to Mr Knoll asking for a waiver on its $2.4 million contribution to the project which was promised at its conclusion, saying it would reinvest it into the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Knoll is yet to provide council with a response.