COMMUTERS can expect to drive along the new Northern Connector from early March, with the State Government to open the $867 million road to the public on Sunday.

Delays due to the difficulty of the terrain the road was built on led to the project’s opening being delayed by three months, after originally being slated to open before Christmas.

Transport minister Stephan Knoll said the completion of the road was “something to celebrate”.

“The Northern Connector is the biggest road project currently under construction in South Australia and has created almost 500 jobs per year since it began around four years ago,” he said.

“The team are just putting the finishing touches on South Australia’s new 110km/h 15.5km, six-lane motorway that will unlock massive potential in our north and improve access to our regions.

“The Northern Connector will reduce travel times, bust congestion and improve access to our beautiful northern regions and productivity.

“Once this motorway opens the days of motorists being stuck in traffic on Port Wakefield Road between the South Road Superway and the Northern Expressway will be long gone.

“It will also mean motorists won’t have to stop at a single traffic light between the South Road Superway and Gawler.”

Locals can get their first look at the road on Sunday, when the State Government holds a community day at the northern end of the road at Waterloo Corner.

The event, to be held between 11am and 3pm, will feature a bus tour on loop to the southern interchange, a free sausage sizzle and live music.