Public Works Committee: South Eastern Freeway Interchange

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (11:54): I move:

That the 511^th report of the committee, on the South Eastern Freeway Interchange at Bald Hills Road, Mount Barker, be noted.

The current Adelaide Road interchange at Mount Barker is at capacity, and with the anticipated residential growth in the area there is a need to address traffic management. This jointly funded project is an ideal opportunity to provide additional and alternative access to the South Eastern Freeway.

The proposal will see a new interchange constructed for the freeway at Bald Hills Road, Mount Barker, providing a new link between Bald Hills Road and the freeway. As part of the project, the Bald Hills Road/Old Princes Highway intersection will also be upgraded. Specifically, the project will provide:

an Adelaide-bound entry ramp on the south side of the freeway;

an Adelaide off-ramp on the northern side of the freeway;

an increase in vehicle height clearance of the existing underpass to allow for the safe passage of B-double heavy vehicles;

provisional construction in anticipation of future Murray Bridge entry and exit lanes; and

a new roundabout at the junction of Old Princes Highway and Bald Hills Road.

The total cost of the works is estimated to be $27 million (GST exclusive), jointly funded by the state and federal governments and the District Council of Mount Barker. The project is expected to be completed by April 2016. Given this, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public works.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr Gardner.