BRITANNIA ROUNDABOUT

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Will the minister update the house on recent developments at the Britannia roundabout?

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Transport, remembering, of course, that pride is a sin.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:35): Yes, sir; and my life is about falling down and getting up again. I thank the honourable member for her question. I can inform the house with great pleasure and humility that since this morning the new dual Britannia roundabout is open for business. Road surfacing and line marking works, as part of the $3.2 million upgrade of the intersection, have been completed.

The larger roundabout has been created and the smaller removable roundabout at the intersection of Wakefield Road and Dequetteville Terrace is scheduled to be installed by the end of October. With line marking being completed and the final asphalt being laid, since this morning motorists have been using the dual roundabout layout under a 40 km/h speed restriction. Traffic bollards are marking out the position of the smaller removable roundabout as well as the soon to be installed traffic islands. This provides motorists with a greater opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new layout whilst the remainder of construction works are finalised.

The Britannia roundabout has had the highest number of total crashes and the fourth highest record of casualty crashes of all intersections in Adelaide. In the five-year period from 2008-12, of the total 308 crashes reported, 47 were casualty crashes. This is why the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure undertook sophisticated traffic modelling to demonstrate that this cost-effective solution will deliver real benefits to road users.

In fact, I can report to the parliament that the cost-benefit ratio for this project is 8.1:1. That means there is an $8.10 return to the economy for every dollar we spent on the construction of the roundabout. I know that the now defunct infrastructure SA policy announced by the opposition would have supported such an infrastructure program. It is just a pity that members opposite do not support cost-benefit ratios.

The reconfiguration of the Britannia roundabout will also allow traffic to move safely and more freely through it. The scheme overcomes the problems of the old roundabout by increasing the distance between Wakefield Street and Dequetteville Terrace and increasing the capacity of the intersection. It creates a junction of Wakefield Street and Dequetteville Terrace separated from the intersection of Fullarton Road and Kensington Road.

Further, improved overhead signage and lighting will ensure people are in the right lane before they enter the intersection and will assist in making the entrance to the roundabouts safer. The project will be delivered and in place before the end of November 2013. The scheme, involving two proper roundabouts, will make the intersection safer and reduce afternoon traffic congestion. I encourage members opposite, and indeed all members of the house, to visit www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/content/Britannia—

Mr Pengilly interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —that's a computer, for the member for Finniss—to view an animated guide on how to navigate the dual roundabout and for further information. The member for Norwood, sir, need not be afraid anymore.