Early works to start on roundabout at Onkaparinga Valley, Nairne and Junction roads intersection at Balhannah

Preliminary work is about to start on an upgrade to one of the Adelaide Hills’ most annoying intersections.

The intersection of Onkaparinga Valley, Nairne and Junction roads in Balhannah.

Exploratory work will start next week on a new roundabout at a notorious Balhannah intersection that’s long been a problem area for locals.

Part of a $150m Adelaide Hills road safety package - a strategy to upgrade key arterial roads in the Hills - the new roundabout would be built at the intersection of Onkaparinga Valley, Nairne and Junction roads, beside the Balhannah Hotel.

The intersection is often crowded and busy - especially at weekends - with a single-lane roundabout the best way to improve safety, the state government said.

The project will include “some” land acquisition, with all landowners already contacted, a Department of Infrastructure and Transport spokesperson said.

There is no cost for the project yet, the spokesperson said.

“As the project is still going through detailed design and tender, the cost of the project is yet to be finalised,” they said.

A new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Onkaparinga Valley Road, Nairne Road and Junction Road at Balhannah.

A new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Onkaparinga Valley Road, Nairne Road and Junction Road at Balhannah.

Geotechnical drilling and surveys will start Monday and run until Friday.

The roundabout includes new and upgraded pedestrian crossings and improve footpaths.

Construction is expected to start in early 2025 and finish in early 2026.

Onkaparinga Valley Rd was identified as one of the major Hills roads requiring upgrades, and since May last year, work has included improving and widening sealed shoulders and side roads.

Since May this year, work has focused on areas between Riverview Road, Woodside and Beaumont Road at Verdun.

Work is still being undertaken on the Junction Creek bridge over Onkaparinga Valley Rd just down from where the new roundabout would be built, but is scheduled to be finished by September.

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport is holding two public feedback meetings about the roundabout on June 20, between 5pm and 7pm and June 22, between 10am and 12pm at the Balhannah Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Originally published as Early works to start on roundabout at Onkaparinga Valley, Nairne and Junction roads intersection at Balhannah