Port Wakefield overpass a step closer
12 February 2019
SA Government:
The
Port Wakefield Overpass, which will
improve
road safety and traffic congestion at one of
South Australia’s
busiest road junctions, is a step closer as land acquisition begins and
design works progress.
The $90 million project will see construction of an overpass at the
intersection of Augusta Highway and the Copper Coast Highway, along with
duplication of the main road through the township of Port Wakefield.
Minster for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan
Knoll, along with Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and State Member
for Narungga Fraser Ellis today gave an update of where the Port
Wakefield project was at.
“This important project is a step closer to becoming a reality as the
Marshall Liberal Government starts the land acquisition process and
reviews the design concept,” said Minister Knoll.
“New design options include investigating a possible two-lane overpass
alternative which would remove all at-grade turn movements at the
intersection as well as the possibility of a two-lane roundabout for
triple road trains, at the connection to Balaklava Road.
“The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure have
identified properties which under current design will be required for
the project and are in the process of meeting with landowners.”
Mr Ramsey said the road was used by 70 per cent of his electorate
population and most of the interstate traffic to the north and west and
the project would have a significant impact on traffic congestion at the
busy junction.
“Port Wakefield Road typically carries more than 8,500 vehicles per day
however this number increases to around 14,500 during holiday peak
periods such as today,” said Mr Ramsey.
“This can result in lengthy traffic delays as well as creating a
dangerous situation for motorists.
“Thanks to $72 million from the
Federal Government and $18 million from
the State Government traffic congestion will be a thing of the past at
Port Wakefield.”
Mr Ellis said the project was warmly welcomed by local residents and
those on the Yorke Peninsula.
“The overpass as well as the duplication of the main road in Port
Wakefield will improve road safety and shorten travel times,” said Mr
Ellis.
“For far too long governments of all levels have ignored one of
South Australia’s most notorious intersections so I applaud both the
State and Federal Governments for making this project a reality.”
The main works contract is expected to be awarded in early 2020 with
works expected to commence later that year. The project is expected to
be completed in 2022.
--ENDS--
Source: South Australian Government - www.premier.sa.gov.au
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