Construction of the new $31.1M Granite Island causeway is expected to start in March, even as the fight to save the existing historic structure goes on.

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning says the new causeway will be operational in late 2021, weather permitting.

Three information sessions on the proposed replacement causeway were held in Victor Harbor last week, attracting a total of 163 people.

The Save the Victor Causeway Group remain unconvinced of the need to demolish and replace the existing and picturesque 151-year old causeway.

They liken demolishing the heritage listed causeway to destroying a house on the basis on finding white ants in a door frame and say the causeway can be repaired and retained.

The wooden causeway partially collapsed in 2019 and aluminium props have been used to shore up the structure since then. 

Plans for the new causeway indicate it would be built 10m to the east of the existing causeway, in line with its alignment and height. 

The causeway will be built from 82 steel piles, driven into the sea floor, and 82 pre-cast concrete decks.

The Conservation Council of SA has expressed concern about the impact of the works being carried out during the whale breeding season, saying research has shown that underwater noise can disrupt mothers trying to feed and bond with their calves.

Once the new causeway is in place, the Department plans to demolish most of the existing causeway and retain a small part at each end to be used as platforms.

Information on the causeway replacement proposal can be found on the Department’s website.

Picture: An illustration of the new causeway design