Tender for road improvements package on Upper Yorke Peninsula awarded

Work on the almost $40 million package of works to deliver a roundabout at the junction of Yorke and Copper Coast Highways in South Australia is set to commence within weeks, following the announcement of the successful tenderer.

The South Australian Government has awarded the contract to build the new roundabout to Downer EDI.

The project will support 75 jobs over its two-year construction phase. The new roundabout is aimed at easing traffic flow at the key junction, known locally as Federation Corner.

The works package also includes two overtaking lanes on the Yorke Highway, north of Ardossan; shoulder sealing and other safety improvements on the highway; an upgrade of the intersection of the Curramulka to Port Vincent Road and Minlaton to Port Vincent Road; and pavement rehabilitation on the Bute to Kulpara Road.

“This almost $40m project is a significant investment in the regional road network of the Upper Yorke Peninsula which will provide substantial safety benefits, but also economic benefits for primary producers and local industry,” said South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan in a statement.

“Together with the temporary traffic diversion through Lochiel and Balaklava, which has proven successful in diverting hundreds of vehicles away from the busy Highway One, it should also help to reduce frustrations for motorists.”

“By opening up the Yorke Highway between Ardrossan and Port Wakefield to road trains we can remove productivity constraints for transport operators and primary producers, such as the double handling of freight and livestock.”

South Australian Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said the upgrade of this section of the state’s regional road network would create safer and more efficient transport corridors and in turn help local producers and industry to become more competitive.

“In particular the grain and livestock farmers, as well as the mining industry, should recognise substantial benefits from this major package of works,” said Mr. Brock.