RAA has welcomed the multi-million dollar spend, after working hard to advocate for increased regional road maintenance.

Fast-tracked to stimulate the economy as we navigate COVID-19, the funding will help maintain SA’s regional roads, save lives and keep the economy on track.

It’ll go towards repairing critical regional routes RAA has identified as needing repair, including the Dukes Hwy, Riddoch Hwy and Yorke Hwy.

More than $30 million has been set aside to resurface the South Eastern Freeway, between the Tollgate and Crafers, and another $15 million will be invested in upgrading the Heysen Tunnel.

RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said the investment in regional roads was money well spent.

“We welcome the State Government’s leadership in fast-tracking this funding for road maintenance,” Mr Mountain said.

It’s a win for RAA and motorists, as more road maintenance will increase transport efficiency and make our regional routes safer.

“Road maintenance is a relatively quick way to inject economic activity into the community, as it means smaller projects that local companies can bid for compared to big new infrastructure projects.”

The government’s multi-million spend, announced in late March, includes:

• $52M for targeted regional road network repair and improvement, including the Stuart Hwy, Yorke Hwy, Dukes Hwy and Riddoch Hwy;
• $35M to resurface the South Eastern Freeway between the Tollgate and Crafers;
• $15M for a Heysen Tunnel refit and safety upgrade;
• $12M to increase the traffic volume capacity of the North-South Freight Route by-passing Adelaide; and
• $6M to seal Adventure Way and Innamincka Airport Rd.

Mr Mountain said motorists, particularly those driving heavy vehicles, would appreciate the surface upgrade along the South Eastern Freeway.

“Combined with resealing works that are currently underway around Callington and Monarto, this should result in a smoother and safer drive,’’ Mr Mountain said.

“This should also be the case with the work on the Dukes Hwy, which carries a high volume of vehicles travelling east and west, and the Stuart Hwy which is the principal road-train link to the state’s north.’’

“RAA has been urging for an upgrade along this key route to the South East, including the construction of additional overtaking lanes, [so] the investment is much appreciated.”