Tenders called for SA regional road upgrades

Tenders have been called 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.Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Sturt Highway works would include bridge widening, strengthening and barrier installation in addition to overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing works already contracted.

“These upgrades are another example of the Australian Government’s funding the infrastructure communities and businesses need to thrive,” Mr Chester said.

South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said a further tender had been called to upgrade and widen four intersections near Mount Gambier 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,” Mr Mullighan said.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the upgrades meant 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 Programme, 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.

CONTACT: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466