The Federal Government has announced a $40 million funding boost for further upgrades to South Australia’s Horrocks Highway, to improve the safety, community connections and freight efficiency of the route.
The Horrocks Highway connects primary producers and tourists from the Clare Valley to the Mid North of South Australia.
The additional funding will widen and strengthen bridges at Wakefield River, Hutt River and Rocky River, upgrade local road junctions, deliver shoulder sealing and curve widening, install safety barriers and Audio Tactile Line Marking, and provide overtaking lane extensions at Tarlee and Templers.
This builds on works already underway on the corridor, including installing new overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing along priority sections between Clare and Auburn and south of Giles Corner, improvements to the Gladstone level crossing, and the replacement of a bridge and a culvert north of Melrose.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the highway improvements would provide a boost for the local economy and support 135 jobs during construction.
“Safer and more efficient highways mean freight can be moved to international and domestic buyers more quickly and tourists can reach their destination sooner, ensuring these important sectors continue to drive our economy,” he said.
The funding brings the Federal Government’s total investment for the now $105 million project to $84 million, in an 80:20 split with the South Australian Government.
Construction on the upgrades is set to be completed by mid 2024.
For more information on the project, click here.
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