Bowhill Engineering Wins $32 Million River Torrens To Darlington Contract

We’re proud to announce that Bowhill Engineering has been awarded a $32 million contract for the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project. This landmark achievement represents a major milestone for our structural steel fabrication capabilities and positions us as a key contributor to South Australia’s infrastructure development.

The Project – Supporting SA’s North-South Corridor

As specialist structural steel fabricators, we’ll be fabricating the steel tunnel segments for the T2D Project’s exit tunnels. This project represents the final stage of the South Australian government’s North-South Corridor, a 78-kilometre motorway connecting Gawler and Old Noarlunga.

The scope of work requires us to deliver precision-engineered tunnel segments that meet the highest standards for major infrastructure projects. This contract demonstrates our capability to handle complex heavy steel fabrication projects that are critical to South Australia’s transport infrastructure.

“It’s the biggest contract that we’ve won by a golden mile,” said CEO Jodie Hawkes. “I feel like we’ve got a huge opportunity right now and we really need to leverage it.”

This $32 million contract builds on our proven track record of delivering major infrastructure projects, including our work on SA’s $354 million Regency Road to Pym Street project. Also, the T2D Project represents a significant step up in scale and complexity.

We’ve invested more than $6 million in advanced manufacturing equipment to support this contract:

• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine Precision cutting equipment that ensures exact specifications for each tunnel segment component.
• Three Robotic Welding Systems State-of-the-art robotic welders that will handle the repetitive welding tasks whilst maintaining the highest quality standards.
• New Fabrication Hall Our recently completed B5 workshop provides the space and infrastructure needed to handle large-scale structural steel engineering projects.

This equipment will arrive at our facility ahead of the first deliveries, scheduled for March 2026, with work continuing through October 2027.

Creating Opportunities For Skilled Workers

The T2D Project contract is creating new positions across our operations. We’ll be recruiting skilled professionals to join our team, including Metal Fabricators, Boilermaker Welders, Robotics Operators, Quality Control Specialists, Industrial Spray Painters, Project administrators and Material Handlers. This is an exciting time to join Bowhill Engineering as we take on our biggest project yet. 

Visit our vacancies page to explore our current opportunities. 

Bowhill Engineering has been serving South Australia since the 1970s. We’re now the Murraylands’ main employer and a key contributor to regional economic development.

Our experience with major projects includes:

• Regency Road to Pym Street Project: Successfully delivered structural steel fabrication components for this $354 million infrastructure development.
• North-South Corridor Works: Proven capability in delivering precision steel components for SA’s major transport infrastructure.
• Bridge Infrastructure: Extensive experience in heavy steel fabrication for bridge projects across South Australia.

This proven track record in delivering complex structural steel projects made us the ideal partner for the T2D tunnel segments contract.

As a family-run business based in the Murraylands, we’re committed to supporting regional economic development. The T2D Project contract demonstrates that regional metal fabricators can compete for and deliver major state infrastructure projects.

“The growth that Murray Bridge is looking to have, and being part of the greater Adelaide regional plan, is a huge bonus for Bowhill,” Jodie explained. “It makes regional living more attractive if you’ve got the services in your regional centre. I only see it as a win-win.”

Our growth creates opportunities throughout the region, from direct employment at our facility to supporting businesses and services in nearby Mannum and Murray Bridge.

The combination of our new robotic welding systems and experienced metal fabricator team positions us to deliver tunnel segments with unprecedented precision and consistency. This project showcases how regional manufacturers can leverage advanced technology to compete on major infrastructure contracts.

Our investment in steel manufacturing technology ensures we can:

• Maintain Precision: Achieve the tight tolerances required for tunnel segment fabrication.
• Ensure Consistency: Produce identical components reliably across thousands of tonnes of steel.
• Meet Deadlines: Deliver components on schedule from March 2026 through October 2027.
• Maintain Quality: Uphold the highest standards for structural steel engineering throughout the project.

This contract win validates the hard work and dedication of every Bowhill Engineering team member. From our experienced boilermaker welder specialists to our newest apprentices, everyone has contributed to building the capability and reputation that won us this opportunity.

The project will provide our team with exposure to cutting-edge steel manufacturing processes and the chance to work on one of South Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects. This experience will enhance our collective skills and position Bowhill Engineering for continued growth.

The River Torrens to Darlington Project represents more than just a contract. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate what regional South Australian manufacturers can achieve. Our success on this project will position us for future major infrastructure contracts while supporting the state’s economic development goals.

As structural steel fabricators working on this critical transport infrastructure, we’re contributing to a project that will benefit South Australians for generations. The North-South Corridor will improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and support economic growth across the Adelaide metropolitan area.

As we prepare to begin fabricating tunnel segments in early 2026, we remain focused on what we do best –  delivering high-quality structural steel fabrication solutions for complex projects. You can read more about our contract win in ABC Riverland coverage.