Joy Baluch AM Bridge closer to full accessibility after second span opens

An SA city’s $200 million bridge project has opened to traffic for the first time, with the rest of the works slated to finish later this year.

A new $200m bridge has opened to the public for the first time after extensive ongoing construction years in the making.

Two of four lanes across both spans of the Joy Baluch Bridge in Port Augusta are now running after an official opening Tuesday evening.

The bridge continues the Augusta Highway over the Spencer Gulf and is funded in part by the federal government ($160 million) and the state government ($40 million).

It is named after former Port Augusta Mayor Joy Baluch, who served office in the town for 29 years.

The duplicate bridge was officially opened last night with road users now able to travel along a newly built section to accompany the existing bridge that has been refurbished.

A 40km/h speed limit will remain on the bridge while further work is completed, including kerb and gutter work and the completion of shared use paths designed for pedestrians.

Port Augusta residents crossing the shared pedestrian path and road for the first time. Picture: SA Infrastructure and Transport

It is expected around 17,000 vehicles a day will use the bridge, which is part of the National Land Transport Network and will provide access for commercial and freight vehicles alongside commuters.

The project has been constructed with around 1500 tonnes of Australian-produced steel.

South Australian Regional Roads Minister Geoff Brock said the duplicate bridge would be an “icon for the Upper Spencer Gulf” when completed.

“This duplication will mean better solutions in the event of an emergency,” Mr Brock said.

“With two lanes either way on two separate structures, we can divert traffic if we need to so that traffic is always moving.”

Port Augusta Mayor Linley Shine, Member for Stuart Hon Geoff Brock MP and Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Picture: SA Infrastructure and Transport

Mr Brock said the duplicate-lane bridge will remove the need to use Yorkeys Crossing as an alternative.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project was crucial for meeting the state’s infrastructure needs.

“This new bridge will help ensure year-round connectivity for freight, local community and tourist vehicles alike, improve travel times and increase safety – including safer overtaking opportunities,” she said.

“The project is also supporting local jobs as well as construction and supply businesses, such as by using Australian-produced steel, which is fantastic news for the economy.”

Dual lane accessibility and construction on both bridges is expected to be completed before the end of the year.