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Works to begin on the North-South freight corridor to reduce trucks on South Eastern Freeway

Work to get some of the trucks off a notorious stretch of the South Eastern Freeway is just weeks away the minister says after two ugly accidents this week.

Roadworks to reduce the number of trucks using a notoriously dangerous stretch of the South Eastern Freeway into Adelaide will begin in the next two weeks.

Shoulder-sealing works, on the freight route between Murray Bridge and the Sturt Highway at Annadale, are required to make it safer and quicker for larger trucks to bypass the down-track of the freeway.

In May last year, new penalties for truck and bus drivers were introduced following two serious crashes in 2010 and 2014 involving out-of-control heavy vehicles that resulted in the loss of lives and serious injuries.

Two truck drivers walked away with only minor injuries after this fiery crash on South Eastern Freeway between Callington and Mt Barker Friday. Picture: Tait Schmaal
Two truck drivers walked away with only minor injuries after this fiery crash on South Eastern Freeway between Callington and Mt Barker Friday. Picture: Tait Schmaal

On Friday, city-bound traffic was delayed after two B-double trucks collided, with one bursting into flames. Despite one truck’s cabin being destroyed, the driver, as well as the person behind the wheel of the other truck, miraculously walked away with just minor injuries.

Four days earlier, thousands of chickens were euthanised when the truck carrying them caught fire, again holding up traffic.

Infrastructure Minister Corey Wingard said the works would get heavy vehicles off the freeway, easing congestion and making the road safer.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack has confirmed the works – which should result in speed restrictions along the alternate freight route being lifted from 100km/h to 110km/h – would begin soon.

“We have worked closely with the State Government to fast-track this critical project, which will see shovels hitting the ground to undertake various upgrades along the route via Ridley Road and Halfway House Road, improving efficiency and network reliability and getting money flowing back into jobs and businesses as soon as possible,” he said.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/works-to-begin-on-the-northsouth-freight-corridor-to-reduce-trucks-on-south-eastern-freeway/news-story/bc4ea1b66a771c0e1d6cfb60e640373f