SA’s Port Wakefield Overpass now open as part of $124.5M project

The Port Wakefield Overpass, part of the $124.5 million Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project in South Australia, is now open to traffic.

The project is a joint initiative of the Australian and South Australian Governments to reduce traffic congestion on two important State Highways connecting South Australian motorists from Adelaide to northern and western South Australia.

Port Wakefield Road typically carries 8,800 vehicles per day, however, this can increase to around 16,000 during holiday peak periods. As a result of high holiday traffic volumes and conflicting traffic movements at the intersection with the Copper Coast Highway, lengthy queues have been experienced causing substantial delays.

The last section of the overpass was completed just before Christmas. The project will reduce congestion for all road users through the township of Port Wakefield. It also removes hazardous at-grade turn movements at the intersection of the Port Wakefield Highway, Copper Coast Highway and Augusta Highway.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the completion of the overpass was a significant milestone in the Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project.

“We know Port Wakefield Highway typically caters to nearly 9000 vehicles per day through the town of Port Wakefield – and that number can double during holiday peak periods,” he said.

“This overpass is going to make a significant difference in the lives of so many people and is a prime example of how we continue to build what matters for South Australians.”

Construction on the Port Wakefield Overpass supported 95 full time jobs during the duration of the project. Works will continue on the Port Wakefield town centre as part of the last stage of the project.

The Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project is being delivered by the Port Wakefield to Port Augusta Alliance (PW2PA) – a consortium of CPB Contractors, Aurecon and GHD, in alliance with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

The Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project is due to be fully completed by the end of 2022. The project is being jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments.

For more information on the project, click here.