Country Road Speed Limits

Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Can the minister advise how much longer motorists will be subject to speed restrictions on the Highway 1 between Port Wakefield and Lochiel?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:52): That is a good question. I know it is frustrating for some motorists when they see new tarmac down and they are seeing speed restrictions in place. I get a lot of correspondence about this. The Augusta Highway duplication from Port Wakefield to Lochiel will provide dual, two-lane carriageways, including appropriate intersection treatments between the Augusta Highway intersection and the Copper Coast Highway and Lochiel. Obviously, the benefits are improved road safety for all road users, improved freight productivity, reduced travel times, improved efficiency and network reliability.

This was a project by the previous government, and it has enjoyed bipartisan support when we were in office. I know that members have concerns that the speed limit is still down to 80 km/h. I can advise the member that the final pavement construction and sealing works for the main carriageway have recommenced, and these works are now expected to be completed by early 2025. Until the traffic switch occurs in the first quarter of 2025, the 80 km/h will remain in place, so you can safely bet that the first quarter of 2025 is when we will lift that speed limit.

I know it is frustrating for motorists. We are trying to bed in and make sure that the tarmac lasts longer than usual. Often a lot of the mistakes we make are lifting the speed limit too quickly, which does damage to the tarmac. We need to let it cure properly and let it settle in. We have had some bad weather as well. As frustrating as it is, we are trying to make the dollar go further here, so it will be a little bit longer. I know it is an inconvenience, but hopefully we can get the mix right.

I am certainly keen to lift that speed limit as quickly as possible, because I know it is frustrating for your constituents and people who are using the Augusta Highway. It does have an impact on productivity and freight, but I think we can get there relatively quickly.