Regional roads and black spots the focus of a new federal $2.2 billion funding promise

South Australia’s crumbling regional road network will benefit from a $2.2 billion national funding boost in Tuesday’s Federal Budget to improve road safety.

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South Australia’s crumbling regional road network will benefit from a $2.2 billion national funding boost in Tuesday’s Federal Budget to improve road safety.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will today unveil a promise to significantly boost infrastructure funding.

There will be a strong focus on regional roads and black spots.

Since the start of 2011, 515 people have died on regional roads in South Australia – compared with 283 on metropolitan roads.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Prime Minister Scott Morrison

The discrepancy has prompted calls from community leaders, the Local Government Association and motoring body RAA for a funding injection to fix the state’s crumbling and dangerous regional road network.

Mr Morrison said the funding boost was about getting parents, children and workers home more safely. It includes:

ADDITIONAL funding, $1.1 billion, for local governments under the Roads to Recovery program, which allows investment in road safety infrastructure in regional Australia.

EXTRA funding, $550 million, for the Black Spot Program, which targets known high-risk locations.

MORE funding, $571.1 million, to improve the safety and efficiency of heavy vehicle operations.

Councils will be able to apply for funding from each of the funding streams.

“These programs mean local councils decide where the money should be spent,” Mr Morrison said.

“They are in the best position to identify black spots and problem areas.”

The Advertiser has campaigned for more rural road funding as part of our Fair Go For Our Regions campaign.

The funding is expected to be in Tuesday’s Budget. Mr Frydenberg said road safety was a key concern for every member of the community:

“Road widening, new overtaking lanes and intersection improvements are all important steps we can take to make our roads safer.”