Road safety and freight efficiency improvements across eastern South Australia have been mapped out in the recently completed Princes Highway Corridor Strategy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the strategy is a big-picture approach to investment in the corridor, taking into account economic, social and environmental factors.

“The Princes Highway is strategically important for freight movements and connecting key regional industries such as tourism, timber, forestry and agriculture to domestic markets and major ports,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Australian Government committed $1 billion to the Princes Highway Corridor through the 2019–20 Budget.

“Currently more than a million people live along the Princes Highway Corridor and the Strategy will support a range of upgrades that will improve safety and reduce travel times, getting Australians across three states who rely on the highway home, sooner and safer.

“Across the three states, the strategy outlines 14 key initiatives, including transport infrastructure upgrades to improve safety and freight efficiency, creating a safer corridor that supports economic activity.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP said the strategy identifies priorities the Princes Highway including:

  • Bridge widening, strengthening or replacements to accommodate larger, more efficient freight vehicles, including at Murray Bridge and between Kingston and Millicent.
  • Additional passing opportunities between Mount Gambier and the SA/Victorian border, between Millicent and Mount Gambier, between Kingston and Tailem Bend and between Millicent and Kingston.
  • new or improved rest areas between Tailem Bend and the SA/Victorian border, and locations for intersection upgrades at Tailem Bend.
  • Rehabilitation or resurfacing, between Mount Gambier and Millicent, Millicent and Kingston, Kingston and Meningie and Meningie and Tailem Bend

“Improving our roads has been one of my number one priorities and the Princes Highway is arguably one of the most dangerous roads in Barker. It’s great to see a long term strategy completed,” Mr Pasin said.

“With this strategy in place, we can now engage with local stakeholders on the planning and design of specific projects.

The Federal Government has committed to $200 million for the Princes Highway corridor in South Australia, with the State Government announcing an additional $50 million in the state budget.

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466