The recently approved $168 million investment in South Australia under the federal government’s Road Safety Program will kick-start a series of safety treatments across the state’s regional roads starting from April.

These projects will improve safety, support regional economic growth and reduce the risk of crashes causing death or serious injuries and include Main South Road, from Sellicks Beach to Second Valley.

The upgrades will include shoulder sealing, curve widening, safety barrier installation, hazard removal and Audio Tactile Line Marking.

Regions covered include the Yorke Peninsula, Murraylands, Mid North, Eyre Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula, with all works to be completed in 2025.

The investment under the national Road Safety Program is equally funded by the federal and state governments, each contributing $84 million.

The new Road Safety Program also invests in infrastructure that improves safety of people walking and riding including new crossings, safety upgrades at existing intersections and improvements to strategic walkways.

Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown says the Australian, state and territory governments are committed to improving road safety, and significantly reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“The Road Safety Program is part of our ongoing commitment to this vision by funding works identified by state governments.

“These works will also help us with improving road safety data and program evaluation and we appreciate South Australia’s support on this vital work.”

South Australian Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock says he is pleased the first major projects have been locked in. 

“2023 was a tragic year on regional roads and these upgrades will go a long way to helping reduce the devastating impact of serious and fatal crashes on communities.

“Our freight industry will also benefit from safer, more efficient journeys as the state and federal governments work together to improve key transport corridors throughout regional South Australia.”