Britannia Roundabout

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:07): My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Can the minister please update the house about the recognition for the Britannia roundabout project?

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Treasurer!

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning, Minister Assisting the Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (15:07): I thank the honourable member for her question and her interest in this project. I was delighted to be advised that the Britannia roundabout project has been recognised by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia at their annual excellence awards held last Friday.

The award of excellence in design and/or construction of a public works project is a tribute to the innovation and hard work of the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure project team. I know that the previous minister for transport and infrastructure is also very proud of the Britannia roundabout project and the project team's achievements.

The reconfiguration of the roundabout in November of last year at a cost of approximately $3.2 million has allowed traffic to navigate this intersection with greater safety. What was previously a difficult intersection to traverse has become an intersection that South Australians increasingly find a lot easier to use. Members would be aware that the redevelopment turned the complex, five-way roundabout into a much simpler configuration using two smaller roundabouts.

Recent crash statistics indicate the project has been a success in reducing incidents at the intersection. Between November 2013 and March this year, we have seen a 36 per cent reduction in crashes, while also increasing traffic moving through the intersection by 10 per cent overall. The new design has given drivers more space and time, while also reducing the speed that vehicles enter the intersection.

The Britannia roundabout solution was developed through the use of new traffic modelling tools. The project team used new technology to reflect real-life circumstances which allowed the team to verify that the proposed modifications would not decrease travel times or efficiency of traffic movements.

I am pleased to report the accolades don't end there. The traffic modelling used in the design of the Britannia roundabout project is now being looked at by planning and engineering experts across the world. Indeed, it was recently discussed by DPTI representatives with much interest at the 4^th International Conference on Roundabouts in Seattle, Washington. The conference explored innovative and effective uses of roundabouts to help enhance the safety and efficiency of intersections.

It also examined the international influences on North American roundabout design practices. Once again, I will ensure that I extend invitations to the member for Goyder and other interested members for the fifth international conference, I understand to be held next year. Once again, I would like to congratulate the department project team on receiving this international accolade and acclaim. It is well deserved, and I am sure that thousands of South Australian motorists would also agree.

The SPEAKER: The member for Hartley, who remarkably is still with us.