Tenders open for Lobethal freight route

The Australian Government is calling for tenders for the $14 million Lobethal Freight Access Upgrade, aimed at providing a B-Double connection between Palmer and Lobethal in South Australia.

The Australian Government-funded project will upgrade 34-kilometres of the route to enable heavy vehicle access from the existing Adelaide Hills freight route at Palmer, through Tungkillo and Mount Thomas to Lobenthal.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said that once the project is complete, the freight route to Lobethal would be approved for higher productivity vehicles. This includes B-Doubles up to 26 metres long, as currently only vehicles up to ‘standard’ semi-trailers 19 metres long can service the Lobethal region.

“Some of the major improvements on the freight route will include junction and culvert upgrades for safe turning movements; upgrades to bridge structures and road pavement; safety improvements including road widening and shoulder sealing; and road alignment improvements,” Mr. Pasin said.

“The Lobethal upgrade will improve productivity and reduce ‘last mile’ access issues, especially in regional areas. The Australian Government is working closely with industry to improve freight productivity, including through upgrades like this, as well as initiatives such as the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.”

The tender will be available at www.tenders.sa.gov.au.

Works on the project are due to start later in 2017 and scheduled for completion by late 2018, weather permitting.