$168m Road Safety Program works in SA to support 305 construction jobs

A range of road safety improvements will be carried out across South Australia’s regional roads as part of a $168 million investment under the Road Safety Program. 

This significant investment is equally funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments, each contributing $84 million. 

Not only will these projects improve road safety, but they will also support regional economic growth and help reduce the risk of collisions that could cause fatalities or serious injuries. 

“Any death on our roads is one too many and that’s why the Australian, state and territory governments are committed to improving road safety, and significantly reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads. 

“The Road Safety Program is part of our ongoing commitment to this vision by funding works identified by state governments. 

“These works will also help us with improving road safety data and program evaluation and we appreciate South Australia’s support on this vital work. 

“We’re working closely with the South Australian Government to help reduce fatal and serious road accidents across South Australia,” Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown said. 

The improvement works will include shoulder sealing, curve widening, installation of safety barrier, hazard removal and Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM). 

This program of works will support approximately 305 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase. 

Regions where safety improvements will be delivered include the Yorke Peninsula, Murraylands, Mid North, Eyre Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula. 

“I’m pleased the first major projects under this investment have been locked in so the South Australian Government can continue to improve our regional road network. 

“2023 was a tragic year on regional roads and these upgrades will go a long way to helping reduce the devastating impact of serious and fatal crashes on communities. 

“Our freight industry will also benefit from safer, more efficient journeys as the state and federal governments work together to improve key transport corridors throughout regional South Australia,” SA Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock said. 

The significant funding will deliver upgrades to two sections of Upper Yorke Road – about 35 kilometres between Kulpara and Arthurton, and 25 kilometres from Port of Broughton to Bute. 

Upper Yorke Road is a key route for heavy vehicles, especially during the harvest season. The proposed upgrades to this road will help improve safety for truck drivers and residents in the Yorke Peninsula who use this road every day. 

Improvements will also be undertaken along RM Williams Way between Jamestown and Spalding, and the Mallee Highway between Tailem Bend and Geranium – which is a key transport link between Adelaide, Melbourne and the Murraylands agricultural region. 

Works on Upper Yorke Road and RM Williams Way are due to begin in May of this year while works on Mallee Highway will begin in April. All works are expected to be completed in 2025. 

“This is a tremendous day for our road network! Our roads had undergone significant improvement in recent years but lately the pipeline of works had run dry and more was needed. 

“After years of advocacy, what an exciting this is for residents, tourists and primary producers who deserve to traverse a safe, productivity-efficient Upper Yorke Road, and I daresay school bus and ambulance users and drivers will also be rejoicing,” State Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis said. 

“The announcement of critical funding for Grain Producers SA’s number one Worst Grain Road – Upper Yorke Road Arthurton to Kulpara – is a huge win for safety and productivity. 

“The Mallee Highway was also listed in GPSA’s Top 10 Worst Grain Roads as voted by grain producers and we welcome any funding to this important stretch of road that our growers use daily. 

“Investment in road upgrades across South Australia’s grain producing regions is vital for ensuring our $4 billion crop can get to port efficiently and safely,” Grain Producers SA CEO Brad Perry said. 

Other works under the Road Safety Program in South Australia that will commence this year include: 

• Thiele Highway (Kapunda to Eudunda) 
• Main South Road (Sellicks Beach to Second Valley) 
• Lincoln Highway (Whyalla to Cowell) 
• Lincoln Highway (Cowell to Lipson) 
• Lincoln Highway (Lipson to Tumby Bay) 

In addition to road safety improvements, the new Road Safety Program will deliver infrastructure that improves the safety of pedestrians and cyclists including new crossings, safety upgrades at existing intersections and improvements to strategic walkways. 

“The investment for Upper Yorke Road is a significant step for road safety and infrastructure in our region. 

“This funding from the Australian and South Australian governments will not only improve public safety, but also boost tourism and economic growth, marking a commitment to reducing road fatalities and enhancing the quality of life for Barunga West residents and all who depend on this infrastructure,” Barunga West Mayor Leonie Kerley said. 

“Coorong District Council welcomes this allocation of funding for the Mallee Highway, which is a key freight route that provides direct access to the eastern seaboard. 

“Coorong District Council looks forward to working with the Australian and South Australian government to maximise the best outcomes for this project and our community,” Coorong Mayor Paul Simmons said. 

Source: Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; Government of South Australia – Media Releases