SA government spending $1bn on regional infrastructure projects this year

More than $1 billion will be spent on regional infrastructure projects this year in a bid to drive connectivity, productivity and safety in country SA. See the map of projects.

More than $1 billion will be spent on regional infrastructure projects this year in a bid to drive connectivity, productivity and safety in the regions.

The spend comes as the state grapples with a $2bn dollar backlog of road maintenance that has left parts of many regional corridors in disrepair.

An RAA survey of 1300 people on the Eyre Peninsula in June found 43 per cent of respondents said the roads there were not satisfactory.

The state government’s big build in the bush this year includes duplication projects of the Augusta Highway, Victor Harbor Rd and Main South Rd.

It also includes the installation of overtaking lanes on the Horrocks Highway, several intersection upgrades, road resurfacing and the repair of flood-damaged roads.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the projects were spread across the state and would benefit the regions during construction and once completed.

“With each project, we are laying the groundwork for a more connected and sustainable regional South Australia,” he said.

“Our state’s infrastructure is the backbone of our economic strength; driving business, creating jobs, and keeping South Australia connected.

“With more than $1bn of work on the books at the moment, we’re seeing shovels on the ground and results being delivered.”

The full duplication of the Augusta Highway between Port Wakefield and Lochiel is expected to be complete by early next year. Picture: Department of Infrastructure.

In addition, the federal and state governments will tip in a combined $500m over the next decade on upgrades to the Stuart, Dukes and Augusta highways.

More than 3200 heavy vehicles use those corridors daily, making them vital freight routes.

Some works on the Stuart Highway, near the Northern Territory border, and along the

Dukes Highway have been completed.

Other works along Port Wakefield Rd between Adelaide and Port Wakefield and on the Augusta Highway around Port Augusta, are being completed as part of about $30 million in initial upgrades.

The remaining upgrades are in the planning phase, with works including intersection upgrades, overtaking lanes and rest areas under consideration.

“The Stuart, Augusta and Dukes are among our busiest highways for freight and upgrading them will make our roads safer for all users,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

A section of the Flinders Highway on the Eyre Peninsula identified by the RAA's road safety team as being substandard. Picture: RAA

The RAA survey of Eyre Peninsula roads found the ones requiring urgent maintenance to be the Lincoln Highway (63 per cent of respondents), Flinders Highway (40 per cent) and Eyre Highway (32 per cent).

A whopping 87 per cent of respondents noted increased truck traffic since the closure of the region’s grain rail lines in 2019, contributing to faster deterioration of roads.

RAA senior manager of road safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain said it was cause for concern.

“The rise in heavy vehicles on the EP road network calls for a greater level of continuous road maintenance to ensure it remains safe for all road users,” he said.

“Across the state there is an estimated $2 billion backlog of road maintenance – and that backlog is growing at an alarming rate.

“Many of the roads have crumbling shoulders, raised sections and uneven surfaces – all of which pose a risk to safety.”