Golden Grove Road finally gets funding for upgrade between Golden Grove and Surrey Downs
A TWO-decade community campaign to upgrade one of northeastern Adelaide’s most notorious roads has finally paid dividends, with the State Government ordering design work to start.
A TWO-decade community campaign for an upgrade to Golden Grove Rd has finally paid dividends, with the State Government providing $10 million to start the project.
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) has been told to start designing the first stage of the upgrade from Surrey Downs to Golden Grove.
The total cost of the project – which will involve road widening, new footpaths, lighting, improved bus stops, stormwater drainage and cycling lanes – is expected to be $20 million.
Also included is the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Hancock Rd and Golden Grove Rd – a notorious accident blackspot.
One of the key drivers in the campaign to upgrade the road, long-serving Tea Tree Gully councillor Bernie Keane, has welcomed the funding.
“It gets the big thumbs up from me,” he said. “I am very excited for my residents and local businesses.”
Cr Keane said he gained support at his “very first” council meeting in 1994 to overturn a decision to close Golden Grove Rd at the junction with One Tree Hill Rd.
“Since that time I have been chipping away to upgrade road, drainage, lighting, footpaths and landscaping infrastructure,” he said.
“I was beginning to feel like a sheep yard kelpie nipping at the heels of State Government to move forward with the Golden Grove project.”
Cr Keane said the road was not wide enough in many spots for heavy vehicles.
“We have reports that trucks kick-up gravel when they stray onto the road shoulder, creating a safety hazard,” he said.
Cr Keane said while it was “great news” the upgrade finally had been funded, it was important DPTI worked closely with council staff to ensure successful outcomes.
These included:
■ WIDENING the road carriageway for the various types of vehicles using it, including cars, buses and trucks.
■ INSTALLING kerbs, gutters, indented bus stops, footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
■ IMPROVING stormwater management by installing drains.
■ PROVIDING lighting for motorists and pedestrians by installing street lights, especially at bus stops.
Funding the upgrade became a key issue during the state election campaign in the newly-created seat of King, which covers Golden Grove.
A promise by former Labor premier Jay Weatherill last November was matched by the Liberals, with successful candidate Paula Luethen welcoming the subsequent State Budget announcement by Treasurer Rob Lucas.
“King residents have been screaming out for someone to take action and fix this road for over twenty years,” she said. “I thank the local King community for backing me to deliver this important local commitment.”
Tea Tree Gully Council chief executive John Moyle said the upgrade was a “major win” for the many people who used Golden Grove Rd.
“Council has been lobbying for this road upgrade for a long time,” he said.
“We are anticipating the State Government will fund the entire project, including footpaths, kerbs, stormwater and other elements.”
Mr Moyle said council was looking forward to having input into the design to highlight local issues and needs.