RAA calls for urgent Eyre Peninsula roads fix, amid rail line closure

With the Eyre Peninsula’s rail system about to close, the roads need an urgent fix before more trucks start using them – the RAA says the sooner the better.

• Four road deaths in just 72 hours

The State Government must prioritise fixing Eyre Peninsula’s ailing road system to deal with an influx of truck movements after the region’s rail system closes, the RAA says.

Viterra will stop using the rail network from Friday and begin using trucks to transport its grain instead.

Earlier this month, the Federal Government announced it would set aside $25.6 million to upgrade Eyre Peninsula roads, with the State Government chipping in $6.4 million.

Senior manager of road safety Charles Mountain said his organisation wanted the funds spent as soon as possible to help address extra traffic on the Lincoln and Tod highways, among other local roads.

“The construction of overtaking lanes, shoulder sealing to increase the road width and repairing of road surfaces are urgently needed to safely accommodate what will be a significant increase in heavy vehicle traffic,’’ Mr Mountain said.

A fatal crash on the Lincoln Highway at Tumby Bay.

“In some cases, there are roads that need these upgrades to make them safe.

“RAA is also calling for the development of a regional transport plan to identify road, sea and rail transport requirements to support long-term growth in mining, agriculture and tourism.’’

Mr Mountain said the extra trucks expected on Eyre Peninsula roads had highlighted the need for a major cash injection.

“It remains to be seen how far that money will go, but we’re also calling for work to be expedited so we can start to see improvements in these road corridors as soon as possible,” he said.

A State Government spokesman said its portion of the $32 million upgrade would be included in next month’s budget.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the work could include overtaking lanes, road widening, shoulder sealing and other road safety improvements.

The Government is yet to announce a time frame for the works.

[e-mail]