Tenders are open to deliver works under a $25 million Australian and South-Australian government-funded upgrade of the Sturt Highway as well as intersection upgrades near Mount Gambier and Penola.
The Sturt Highway upgrades include bridge widening, strengthening and barrier installation, in addition to overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing works already contracted.
The second tender involves widening four intersections near Mount Gambirer and Penola.
“These intersection improvements, totalling $4.1 million, will improve turning movements for B-Doubles, making life easier for businesses and safer for all road users,” said South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan.
According to Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin, the upgrades will mean higher productivity vehicles such as road trains would be able to use key regional freight routes.
“This is about helping our regional primary producers and other key industries get their products to market safely and efficiently, boosting the South Australian economy,” Mr. Pasin said.
The four intersections to be upgraded are:
– the Penola to Casterton Road junction with Tower Road,
– the Riddoch Highway intersection with Wandilo Forest and Ridge Roads,
– the Riddoch Highway junction with Kilsby Road, and
– the Mount Gambier to Nelson Road junction with Kilsby Road
These $4.1 million intersection upgrades, funded under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, are jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments.
The Sturt Highway Productivity and Safety Improvements project is being funded through $19.89 million from the Australian Government and $4.97 million from the South Australian Government.
Construction of the upgrades is expected to start in coming months.
The Sturt Highway works are expected to be completed in December 2018 and the intersection upgrades by mid-2018.