Waterport Road in Port Elliot will again be affected by traffic delays, with SA Water set to begin road repair works from 12 January.

The  upcoming two-week program of works follows installation of a new water main to Port Elliot last autumn. 

While the infrastructure upgrade was completed last year, water ingress during winter rainfall affected the road foundations, leading to a breakdown of the surface and increasingly rough driving conditions.

Finniss MP David Basham says the repairs are an important step in restoring safety on a key local road.

“Waterport Road is a vital link for Port Elliot residents and visitors, and the deterioration of the surface over winter has been a real concern for road users,” he says.

“The reduced 60 kilometre per hour speed limit has been necessary for several months to manage safety risks, but these works will address the underlying issues and significantly improve conditions.”

Mr Basham says the damage was caused by water penetrating the road base during winter following the earlier water main installation.

“This repair work is about fixing what happened beneath the surface. Once water gets into the foundations of a road, it can cause serious and ongoing damage if not properly addressed.”

During the works, one lane of Waterport Road will be closed, with traffic managed under stop/go conditions.

“I ask motorists to please be patient and allow extra time while these essential repairs are completed,” Mr Basham says. “I know traffic delays are frustrating, but this work will deliver a safer and more durable road for the long term.”

The works are expected to take approximately two weeks, weather permitting.