Roads of Strategic Importance, Eyre Peninsula Road Upgrades

In reply to Mr TARZIA (Hartley) ((17 June 2022).). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Roads, Minister for Veterans Affairs): I have been advised:

The Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) program is an initiative of the Australian government which aims to deliver improvements to freight movements, support regional economic growth and connectivity, and improved safety for all road users. Upgrades of rural road corridors that fall under this program within South Australia include Sturt Highway, Barrier Highway and Eyre Highway.

A funding commitment of $51.25 million, with Australian and state government funding provided on an 80:20 basis, has been made to upgrade the Eyre Peninsula roads expected to be impacted by the closure of the Eyre Peninsula rail network.

Upgrades across the Eyre Peninsula network to date include:

Safety Works

Hazard protection/installation of guard rail along curves on the Birdseye Highway between Cleve and Cowell—completed December 2020.

Shoulder Sealing

Birdseye Highway – Cleve to Rudall (approximately 21 kilometres) and high priority areas between Cowell and Cleve to achieve the desired one-metre shoulder—completed in 2020.

Tod Highway – high priority areas between Lock and Karkoo, Wanilla and Flinders Highway (approximately 25 kilometres)—completed April 2021.

Lincoln Highway – high priority areas between Whyalla and the Birdseye Highway (approximately 16 kilometres)—completed April 2021.

Overtaking Lanes

Lincoln Highway – two new overtaking lanes between Tumby Bay (open to traffic April 2022) and Louth Bay (open to traffic July 2022).

Western Approach Road – one new descending lane near Pine Freezers Road including upgrade of the Pine Freezers Road junction (open to traffic July 2022).

Flinders Highway – one new auxiliary lane between Flinders Highway near Forest Road and Tod Highway (open to traffic July 2022).

Anticipated works include:

Pavement Works

Pavement renewal works along Liverpool Street (Mortlock Terrace to Porter Street), Porter Street (Edithburgh Street to Tasman Terrace) and Mortlock Terrace/Porter Street roundabout.

Overtaking Lanes

Tod Highway – one new overtaking lane south of Cummins. Further investigations are currently underway for the proposed location, including the need to seek approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 due to significant environmental impacts that result from protected flora and fauna species existing along the length of this corridor.

Intersection Improvements

Upgrading the intersections along Liverpool Street with a focus on improving pedestrian crossing safety. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport continues to work with the City of Port Lincoln to resolve preferred treatments for these intersections.