A tender will be released today for the construction of the Penola Northern Bypass, with the contract expected to be awarded in late 2019.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government was pleased to be supporting this vital project and that the benefits would be wide ranging.
“This project will boost safety and deliver travel time savings for everyday South Australians and the tourists that visit the region’s popular attractions,” Mr McCormack said.
“It will have a positive impact on freight productivity. On the bypass, local traffic will be separated from freight vehicles – enabling freight drivers to get their products and produce to where it needs to be sooner and safer.”
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Penola Bypass aims to significantly reduce heavy vehicle traffic volumes through the Penola township, reduce conflict between heavy vehicles, pedestrians and local traffic within Penola and reduce travel time and create improved access for heavy vehicles.
“The project includes construction of a new 2.2 kilometre undivided, sealed rural arterial road with sealed shoulders, and a T-junction at the Riddoch Highway where the new Northern Bypass will connect to the Highway to the north of the Penola township,” Mr Pasin said.
“This marks an important milestone for the completion of a project that has been discussed for 50 years or more. To finally have the ball rolling is a huge relief considering what we went through with the previous State Labor Government, who refused to accept the Federal Funding I fought to secure to see the project completed,” Mr Pasin said.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the Marshall Government had built an $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects over the next four years.
“The Marshall Government, working with the Morrison Coalition Government, was able to announce a record $1.115 billion in new regional road and infrastructure funding in the most recent State Budget,” said Minister Knoll.
“After 16 long years of Labor our regional roads have been neglected and important regional road projects overlooked.
All major construction works on the Penola Bypass are expected to begin in 2020, with completion expected in 2022.
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is contributing $11.7 million for the construction of the Northern Bypass, with the South Australian Government providing the remaining $2.9 million.
Wattle Range Council also contributed, funding the property acquisition requirements for the bypass.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Pasin – Charlotte Edmunds 0402 343 753
SA Government – David Franchitto 0466 496 963C
