Onkaparinga council plans $2.2m upgrade of Murray Rd, Port Noarlunga

This busy section of road is in serious need of safety upgrades, according to Onkaparinga councils new proposal. See the pictures.

Onkaparinga council are planning to undertake improvements to Murray Road between Witton Road and Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga. Picture: Supplied

A council in Adelaide’s south has proposed a $2.2m road redevelopment in Port Noarlunga with a focus on improving road safety.

Under a proposal by Onkaparinga council, Murray Rd between Witton Rd and Gawler St would be upgraded with the installation of a new footpath as well as improved road surface, street lighting and streetscaping.

A spokesman for the council said that the proposal was developed with “careful consideration” to ensure the road was rebuilt within “its current footprint”.

Onkaparinga council are planning to undertake improvements to Murray Road between Witton Road and Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga. Picture Google Maps

Onkaparinga council are planning to undertake improvements to Murray Road between Witton Road and Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga. Picture: Supplied

“It has been developed with careful consideration of the site including the steep gradient, road safety requirements and pedestrian amenity, whilst retaining as much on street parking as possible,” they said.

“The planted kerb build outs will result in narrower lanes and reduced traffic speed without reducing traffic capacity.

“The improved lighting at intersections and pedestrian crossings will ensure the crossing points are well lit for safe use at all hours, improved passive surveillance on the footpath and that the new traffic arrangements are visible to drivers in all light conditions.”

It comes after council announced a memorial honouring the life of a 56-year-old Onkaparinga Hills – woman killed after her car crashed into a tree in 2019 – was removed from Piggott Range Rd, Onkaparinga Hills in response to safety concerns raised by residents.

The woman died after her car struck a tree at the intersection of Upper Penneys Hill and Piggott Range roads in Onkaparinga Hills in 2019. Picture: 7NEWS

The upgrade includes changing the intersection priority and reconfiguring it, widening the roadside shoulders and even potentially installing guardrails.

A $2m plan to reconstruct Bains Rd in Woodcroft was also announced earlier this month, improving the road surface and making it safer for pedestrians with the construction of two new 1.5m wide concrete footpaths, as well as two central pedestrian refuges constructed.

Other items announced in the plan included: a new crossing point, separate lines for straight and turning vehicles, lighting at intersections along with relocating and upgrading bus stop 47 on both sides of Bains Rd.

Onkaparinga council are planning to undertake improvements to Murray Road between Witton Road and Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga. Picture Google Maps

The proposed works on Murray Rd are scheduled to be delivered in the 2024-25 financial year, subject to council’s budgetary process. However, council are required to restrict parking on the northern side of the road between Cornish Ave and Alexander Tce due to “the road crest”.

The southern side of the road will still allow for at least one on-street car park per property.

A council spokesman said specific road closure information wasn’t available yet, but will aim to “minimise any disruptions as much as possible”.

Consultation is open until May 19.

Originally published as Onkaparinga council plans $2.2m upgrade of Murray Rd, Port Noarlunga