New road safety upgrades and improvements will be rolled out across Mallee, thanks to a $13.5 million funding boost made up of $10.8 million from the Australian Federal Government and $2.7 million from the South Australian Government.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the funding was a big win for locals.
“A total of $13.5 million will be shared across Barker to fund new road safety upgrades and improvements to help reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries occurring on our roads,” Mr Pasin said.
“This funding will support three road safety projects in the Mallee that will help get locals, visitors and freight to their destination sooner and safer.” Mr Pasin said.
Karoonda Highway will receive $10 million ($8 million from the Australian Federal Government and $2 million from the South Australian Government) to complete upgrades including pavement treatment to fix wheel rutting and skid resistance, shoulder sealing and full width road sealing to achieve 3.3m lanes and installation of auto tactile line marking on edge and centreline.
Mallee Highway will receive $2 million ($1.6 million from the Australian Federal Government and $400,000 from the South Australian Government) to complete upgrades including pavement widening, shoulder sealing, auto tactile line marking and hazard protection.
Ngarkat Highway will receive $1.5 million ($1.2 million from the Australian Federal Government and $300,000 from the South Australian Government) to complete upgrades including auto tactile line marking on edge and centrelines and safety barrier works, as well as widening and shoulder sealing works.
“These projects will create 49 jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive the region’s economic recovery.” Mr Pasin said.
“Currently around 1,200 people die and 40,000 are seriously injured on our roads each year, which is why our Government is taking strong action by delivering record investment in road safety across the nation.”
“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” Mr Pasin said.
“These improvements will start rolling out in coming weeks and are expected to be completed by mid-2022, meaning the community will quickly start reaping the benefits,” Mr Pasin said.
“Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity.” Mr Pasin said.
“This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.” Mr Pasin said.
The Government has already invested $1.5 billion under the Road Safety Program in more than 1,050 road safety projects across Australia, most of which are complete and benefiting communities.
For more information on the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program and other road safety initiatives, visit officeofroadsafety.gov.au/programs/infrastructure-programs.
ENDS.
