South Australians will enjoy safer and faster journeys between some of the state’s favourite getaway destinations, with all four lanes of the new Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road duplications opening to traffic.

All four lanes on Victor Harbor Road between Main South Road and the McLaren Vale turn off open today, Monday 18 December. 

This follows months congestion and frustration for locals while the roadworks have been underway.

Meanwhile all four lanes on Main South Road between Seaford and Port Road, Aldinga are set to open this week, giving holidaymakers, visitors and locals alike a much-improved travel experience around the regions.

All lanes on the new Tatachilla and Pedler Creek bridges are now also open to traffic, helping to keep traffic flowing smoothly over Main South Road. 

The four lane Pedler Creek Bridge is one of the largest pieces of infrastructure of the 9.8-kilometre Main South Road duplication.

 Maps are available on the website to provide an understanding of the new road network and how traffic is flowing through the new intersections.

As well as improving traffic flow for drivers travelling south, the projects have boosted the state’s economy, supporting around 945 full-time jobs each year during construction. 

This has included up to 30 apprentice and traineeship opportunities, with a 99 per cent South Australian workforce, according to Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis.

“Around 26,000 motorists travel on Main South Road each day, and around 18,600 on Victor Harbor Road. These duplication projects provide critical infrastructure that will result in safer and faster journeys for motorists and provide a vital boost for local tourism and communities.

“The projects have provided opportunities for local workers, businesses, supply chain partners and contractors, from construction and civil works companies to local bakeries and printers.

“We’ve also worked with local agricultural and viticultural communities to create the infrastructure they need, and the new shared use path being built along Main South Road will provide safer and better access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Mawson MP Leon Bignell has paid tribute to those who orchestrated one of the best local community campaigns he has ever seen.

“Credit for this project needs to go to Craig Curtis, Dale Grimmond, Fred Shields and the rest of the Main South Rd Action Group.

“Sick and tired of the deadly and near fatal crashes on the stretch of road they began a campaign in 2016 for improvements.

“They were tireless in their efforts and constructive in their thinking and put forward plenty of ideas to people like me, Peter Malinauskas, Tom Koutsantonis and Stephen Mullighan.

“I am absolutely certain that this upgrade would not have happened without their hard work and the funding by a Labor government that listened to their concerns and acted.”

Works to continue in 2024 include the installation of the final asphalt wearing course, line marking, median kerbing, barrier installation, traffic signal modifications, shared use path works, landscaping and street lighting. 

Speed and lane restrictions will be in place during these works, with some closures and detours required in 2024.

In addition, speed restrictions will remain in place along Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road until the bitumen has been sufficiently worn on the new road surface. 

This can be approximately four to six weeks, depending on traffic volumes and weather.

The $685 million project, delivered by the Fleurieu Connections Alliance, is funded by the state and federal governments.