A new $168 million investment in road safety funding will help to save lives by improving regional and urban roads, footpaths and cycleways, according to the state government.

With the road toll rising, and 111 people killed on South Australian roads so far this year, the state government has increased its contribution to match the Commonwealth’s $84 million commitment to the state under the Road Safety Program.

The $168 million joint funding commitment, included in last week’s Mid-Year Budget Review, is in addition to the $98 million included in the 2023-24 State Budget, bringing the combined total to $266 million over five years to help reduce injuries and fatalities on South Australian roads.

Treasurer Stephen Mullighan says the major investment targets regional roads, where about half of all road fatalities have occurred in SA this year, as well as cycling and walking infrastructure across Adelaide and the state.

The significant investment will include funding for new regional works such as shoulder sealing, audio-tactile line markings, delineation, roadside barriers, lane/curve widening and pavement works.

This will see regional roads where work is undertaken improved to at least a 3-star safety rating level.

The projects and locations are being developed now and will be determined throughout 2024.

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 bikeways.

Priority will be given to improving safety of people walking and riding to school by upgrading crossings.

Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock says the state government is committed to improving safety on our regional roads.

“These improvements will also make a world of difference for our freight industry, enhancing truck drivers’ working conditions and ensuring safer journeys. 

“After a tragic year for fatalities on our regional roads, it is more crucial than ever to improve our regional road network and these upgrades will go a long way to helping reduce the SA road toll. 

Charles Mountain, RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure, has welcomed the additional investment in road safety, especially in the regions.

“RAA has continually called for greater infrastructure investment across our road network and a focus on improving the star ratings of roads, and we look forward to seeing which projects will be rolled out to deliver better safety outcomes. 

“It’s also pleasing to see projects that will help protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and school children will be prioritised.

“Road and infrastructure upgrades make our roads safer and can help save lives and prevent injuries – which is more important than ever given the horrific year we’re having on SA roads.”