The Barrier Highway in South Australia is set for an overhaul that will include the upgrade of two key junctions at Whyte Yarcowie and Yunta, as well as new rest areas and culvert upgrades to improve safety and freight operations in mid-north South Australia.
Whyte Yarcowie, the junction of Barrier Highway and Whyte Road, will receive new lighting, safety barriers, and the road will be reconstructed, widened and spray sealed to allow larger heavy vehicles to turn onto Whyte Road from the highway.
In Yunta, the Main Street (Tea Tree Road) and Barrier Highway junction will also be reconstructed, widened and spray sealed to improve heavy vehicles travelling to and from pastoral stations and mining production and exploration areas near Yunta.
The project involves building a new rest area at Winnininnie, and upgrading an existing rest area at Bindarrah.
The project has received $1,696,800 in funding through the Federal Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Two culverts at Winnininnie and one at Bindarrah will also be upgraded to prevent flooding and road damage while also accommodating the movement of larger heavy vehicles.
These upgrades are jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments through the $62.5 million Barrier Highway Corridor Upgrade and the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with the Federal Government committing $50 million and the Malinauskas Government $12.5 million.
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Early works including service relocations are complete and major construction is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Emily Bourke, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport in South Australia, said the state government is investing in road safety, and freight efficiency, essential for sustaining regional economies.
“These improvements will not only protect motorists but also help key sectors like agriculture and mining by providing reliable access to important transport corridors,” said Bourke.
“By upgrading these junctions, we’re making the jobs of many transport operators easier, allowing them more room to manoeuvre their vehicles and providing an additional route option when transporting goods.
“Rest areas are crucial when it comes to preventing fatigue related fatalities and injuries. We encourage drivers to take regular 15-minute breaks every two hours.”
For more information, visit: www.dit.sa.gov.au/
