By Michael Phelan
Published: Thursday, November 10, 2022
RAA's 2021 Risky Roads campaign called for all road users to identify roads or intersections they found confusing, unsafe or difficult to negotiate.
As a result, more than 2100 nominations were received for roads and intersections from across the state. It’s been a year since the report was published, so we thought we’d check in to see if improvements have been made to any of the nominated intersections and roads.
We have some positive news! Eight of the top 10 metropolitan roads have either been improved or work is planned.
This includes a $105m commitment to duplicate Main South Road between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach and a $10m upgrade to Main Road in Cherry Gardens.
Pavement rehabilitation works on Main North Road, Glynburn Road, North East Road and Grand Junction Road have all targeted key sections raised by survey respondents.
Meanwhile, works have started or are planned on six of the top 10 regional roads.
Pavement renewal works on Southern Ports Highway will commence in mid-2023, and an additional $40m has been allocated to the Horrocks Highway upgrade.
The Princes Highway has been a major focus, with the State Government planning to install up to six overtaking lanes between Meningie and Mount Gambier. Pavement rehabilitation works and intersection upgrades also on the State Government’s agenda.
RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches says the Risky Roads survey is critical to improving road safety across the state.
“It allows us to hear about the issues that are most important to South Australians,” he says. “Then we can advocate for improvements where they are most needed.”
“Road maintenance continues to be a major issue to RAA members and the wider community.
“RAA is continuing to call for a four-year $600m investment in road maintenance across SA.
“RAA welcomes recent government investment to upgrade or undertake maintenance at many of the top 10 nominated metro and regional roads.”
For more information, read the full 2021 Risky Roads survey results on our website.