Concept designs for duplication of Main South, Victor Harbor roads released for public consultation

The first concept designs for major upgrades to Main South and Victor Harbor roads have been revealed. What do you think of them?

Concepts designs for the proposed duplication of both Main South and Victor Harbor roads have been released for public consultation.

The State Government is seeking feedback on two design scenarios, before construction work begins by the end of the year.

The first option includes the duplication of Main South Rd from Seaford to Sellicks Beach, including dual lane roundabouts at the intersection of Tatachilla/Maslin Beach roads, Port Rd and Aldinga Rd. It also involves the duplication of Victor Harbor Rd, between Main South and Main roads, McLaren Vale.

The second option is a duplication of Main South Rd, from Seaford to Aldinga, including a grade separation at the Tatachilla and Maslin Beach roads intersection, and dual lane roundabouts at Port and Aldinga roads. Stage Two of this option involves the upgrade of Main South Rd, from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach; and extending the duplication of Victor Harbor Rd from Main South Rd, past Main Rd in McLaren Vale, to Tatachilla Rd to a proposed posted speed limit of 100km/h.

The projects will cost a total of $560 million and are being jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments. They are expected to be completed in 2023.

The Main South Rd Action Group has been lobbying for dual lanes and overpasses and underpasses, saying roundabouts would cause traffic congestion.

The group’s chairman Craig Curtis said the group was “mortified” at the options put forward.

“We’re getting ripped off,” he said.

“(Roundabouts are) going to destroy the traffic flow on Main South Rd.”

Mr Curtis said the group would organise a community meeting in the coming weeks to discuss the proposals.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the upgrades would support about 770 full time equivalent jobs each year during construction and improve access to one of South Australia’s premier tourism regions.

SA Transport Minister Corey Wingard urged community members to have their say about which design option they think will deliver the greatest benefits.

“Their input will help inform the design and decision process going forward and will mean the projects will deliver the best outcomes for the community and the motorists that use these roads every week,” he said.

On top of the two scenarios, an additional $15 million has been allocated for safety improvements, which may include junction upgrades and/or overtaking lanes on Victor Harbor Rd.

Originally, the proposed upgrade of Main South Rd involved the duplication of about 10km of the thoroughfare, from Aldinga to south of Griffiths Drive in Seaford while the second stage continued the duplication a further 6km, from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach.

SA Transport Minister Corey Wingard. Picture: Sue McKay/Getty Images

Traffic data has shown 26,000 vehicles per day use Victor Harbor Rd, between Main South and Main roads, McLaren Vale while 10,200 vehicles per day use Main South Rd south of Aldinga Beach Rd, to Norman Rd, while 8000 vehicles per day use the road between Norman and Sellicks Beach Rd.

“Traffic analysis shows that almost three times as many motorists use Victor Harbor Road than Main South Road beyond Aldinga so it’s vital we look at investing where the best outcomes will be achieved,” Mr Wingard said.

Community feedback can be provided via information sessions or online.

Feedback received will help inform the decision however other criteria, such as road safety, funding constraints and engineering matters will also be considered.

For more information and to provide feedback visit dit.sa.gov.au/msrd and dit.sa.gov.au/vhrd.