On a recent visit to the Clare Valley, RAA spoke with residents, winemakers and local businesses, who all described the appalling condition of the Horrocks Highway and its desperate need for a major upgrade.

Earle’s Transport owner and truck driver Rodney Earle said his fleet had to meet strict safety criteria, but the roads he drives on aren’t held to the same high standards.

“The road is probably the worst it’s ever been,” said Mr Earle.

“They’re hot on us to make sure our vehicles are that roadworthy now. There’s no use having a roadworthy truck if the roads that you’re driving on aren’t safe.”

Watch below to see Clare Valley winemakers share their concerns about the poor condition of the Horrocks Highway.

Sitting Independent MP Geoff Brock has pledged to make Horrocks Highway upgrades the key bargaining chip for any party seeking his support to form government following the state election.

In the 2014 election, Mr Brock tipped the balance of power to the Labor Party – and recent polls indicate he could play a similar king-maker role this time around.

“If I have the opportunity to have an influence in choosing who the government of the day will be, number one will be consideration of the reconstruction of the Horrocks Highway,” said Mr Brock.

RAA has been calling for whoever forms the next state government to fix the problems blighting the stretch of Horrocks Highway between Gawler and Clare.

Kendall Jackson, the Liberal candidate for Frome, told RAA that parts of the highway were literally crumbling away, as a result of 16 years of neglect by the State Labor Government.

Ms Jackson said she would be fighting to ensure the highway was a priority for investment under a Marshall Liberal Government.

Click here to read the commitments from the other major parties on Horrocks Highway, and RAA’s other election priorities including an independent Safety Camera Commissioner, upgrades to Victor Harbor Rd, and increased road-safety education for primary schools.