South Australian Budget delivers $165 million roads package

The South Australian Government has announced a new $165 million road infrastructure stimulus package to boost productivity, safety and jobs in the region.

The 2015-16 State Budget includes the multi-million-dollar package which will fund four years of new infrastructure projects and improvements on regional and suburban roads.

The stimulus package includes $70 million to improve critical road infrastructure, $40 million to improve road safety and $55 million for a new 2.8 kilometre road in Gawler East.

The funding forms part of the South Australian Government’s $985 million stimulus package of tax reforms and targeted investments in growth industries.

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said the additional funding for critical road maintenance and road safety works will create more than 300 jobs by delivering more than 185 projects across the State.

“This investment continues our long-term plan to upgrade essential infrastructure in South Australia including schools, hospitals, roads and public transport.”

Mr Koutsantonis said the extra $70 million over four years for critical road infrastructure is on top of the more than $330 million already budgeted for maintenance works over the forward estimates.

“Roads are the arteries of our economy, which is why we are embarking on a targeted approach to rehabilitate key roads to maximise economic and safety benefits for communities across the State,” he said.

“This is in addition to a joint State and Commonwealth $1.5 billion investment to build both the Torrens Road to River Torrens upgrade and the Darlington Interchange.”