Mallee Highway safety measures funded
A well-worn road used heavily during grain harvests will share in $168 million from the federal Road Safety Program.
One of the Murraylands’ most important freight routes will be made safer over the next 12 months.
A stretch of the Mallee Highway, between Tailem Bend and Geranium, will share in $168 million worth of road funding announced on Tuesday morning.
Between next month and 2025, the highway will get upgrades which may include shoulder sealing, widening of curves, installation of safety barriers, removal of hazards and audio-tactile line marking.
Grain Producers SA had previously named the highway one of the 10 worst in the state.
“We welcome any funding to this important stretch of road that our growers use daily,” GPSA CEO Brad Perry said.
“Investment in road upgrades across South Australia’s grain-producing regions is vital for ensuring our $4 billion crop can get to port efficiently and safely.”
Coorong Mayor Paul Simmons also welcomed the funding.
“This project will improve safety and access outcomes for the Mallee Highway and our rural community,” he said.
“We hope the upgrade of this important state grain route will create a seamless interface between local roads and the Mallee Highway.
“Coorong District Council looks forward to working with the Australian and South Australian governments to maximise the best outcomes for this project and our community.”
State MP Adrian Pederick said the funding was a significant step towards filling what he described as a $3 billion backlog of maintenance work needed on regional South Australian roads.
“The Marshall Liberal government invested a record amount for regional road projects, and unfortunately that hasn’t continued under the Malinauskas Labor government,” he suggested.
“We need to ensure there is further funding for the rest of the Mallee Highway, as it is a vitally important link between Adelaide and the eastern states.”
The upgrade will be jointly funded by the state and federal governments under the Road Safety Program.
The highway has been the main route by which the annual grain harvest is brought through the Mallee to Tailem Bend since the closure of the district’s railway line a decade ago.
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