RAA has welcomed the $2.5m funding announcement by the Liberal Government, which will be used to address road undulation on a dangerous stretch of the Horrocks Highway between Roseworthy and Templers.

Prior to the state election in March this year, the automobile association lobbied major political parties for an urgent upgrade of the highway due to its poor condition.

RAA Senior Manager of Road Safety Charles Mountain said the state road between Gawler and Clare had earned the dubious title of ‘SA’s worst regional road’ in our Risky Roads survey and was one of our four key state-election priorities.

“This section is in poor condition and upgrading it will improve safety, particularly for heavy vehicles, and vehicles towing trailers and caravans,’’ he said.

“It’s good to see that the government has acknowledged this funding is only the beginning of what will need to be spent on this corridor, to ensure this important regional highway is brought up to an acceptable standard in terms of safety and driving experiences.’’

Mr Mountain said additional work required, which was not covered by the funding announcement, included the construction of overtaking lanes along the route to provide safe overtaking opportunities.

SA Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the works, announced last Friday, would be carried out this financial year.

The announcement followed the death of a 53-year-old man on the Horrocks Hwy, between Rhynie and Auburn, earlier this month.