Nine homes to go for $5m roundabout to fix dangerous Nairne intersection
One of the Hills’ most frustrating intersections will be upgraded with a $5m roundabout - but nine homes will have to go for the community’s “greater good”.
Adelaide Hills
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Nine houses will be razed for the upgrade of a “dangerous” Adelaide Hills intersection.
The State Government has announced it had contacted owners on the proposed development site in Nairne.
A $5 million roundabout will be built at the corner of Woodside Rd and Old Princes Highway.
Details of the final road realignments required to fix the intersection show that land will need to be acquired on Woodside Rd, Old Princes Highway and Saleyard Rd, towards Nairne Primary School, to make the project viable.
The Nairne community had been lobbying for the upgrade for years, in the wake of four serious accidents between 2014 and 2017, including one rear end crash and three right-angled crashes.
While an acquisition budget has yet to be released, the Adelaide Hills News estimates each property could fetch upwards of $385,000, based on Nairne’s current median house price value.
Member for Kavel Dan Cregan said his office would work closely with affected property owners to achieve an agreeable result.
“The department (for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure) has reached out to affected property owners and will work closely with them through the acquisition process,” he said.
“I’m keen to provide close and direct support to every property owner that is affected, and have already been in contact with a number of property owners that have reached out to us today (February 3).
“This has been a dangerous intersection for many years and it’s important that we complete this project.
“We are very mindful that those properties affected are giving up a great deal to assist others in the community and we’re keen to provide as much support as we can as major construction work can’t take place till acquisition work is complete.”
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll declined to comment on whether initial offers had been made to homeowners.
But he said the upgrade formed part of a $12.9 billion statewide budget, which focused on regional development over the next four years.
“The long-awaited Nairne intersection upgrade is an important road upgrade that will improve safety and traffic congestion at this notorious intersection,” he said.
“Now the road realignment has been finalised, we will begin the land acquisition process.
“Land acquisition is almost always required when we undertake infrastructure upgrades of this magnitude and while it is not ideal, it is necessary to deliver the best possible infrastructure for the broader community.”
