Significant road safety upgrades will be fast-tracked to help reduce road trauma and save lives on South Australian roads, thanks to a $52.69 million funding boost from the Australian and South Australian governments.
The funding will support the delivery of safety barriers, surface treatment, audio tactile line marking on edge and centre lines, shoulder sealing, lane widening, and pavement treatments – which will help reduce the occurrence of crashes.
The funding will also support a further 16 road safety projects across the state, with a focus on rural and regional roads, including safety treatments along the Eyre Highway between Ceduna to Head of Bight; upgrades to priority sections of the Stuart Highway from North of Coober Pedy; and works along the Barrier Highway from Burra to Cockburn.
The upgrades are jointly funded under the Road Safety Program, with the Australian Government contributing $42.15 million and the South Australian Government providing $10.54 million.
The Road Safety Program supports the fast roll out of lifesaving road safety treatments on rural and regional roads and greater protection for vulnerable road users, like cyclists and pedestrians, in urban areas.
Funding under the Road Safety Program is delivering 44 projects across the state and supporting 1337 jobs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.
“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.”
The Australian Government has committed $252 million overall under the Road Safety Program.
The additional funding builds on the almost $126 million already flowing to 28 projects across South Australia, all of which are already completed or underway.
For more information on the Road Safety Program, click here.
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