REGIONAL political, civic and road safety leaders have called for the South Australian stretch of Nelson Road to become an urgent priority for funding given it is a major arterial route for trucks and tourist traffic.
The calls follows the Federal Government splashing $80m on a number of key freight routes on the Victorian side of the border.
Although not confirmed, it is understood the Federal Government will continue a national roll-out of regional road funding in coming days following the Green Triangle announcement on Monday.
The main freight routes to be upgraded include the Princes Highway, Henty Highway as well as the Portland-Nelson and Portland-Casterton roads.
It is understood the Mount Gambier to Portland route is crumbling under the pressure of high number of log and woodchip trucks funnelling raw material to the Port of Portland.
One of the biggest concerns is the potentially dangerous mix between tourist traffic – particularly international visitors – and heavy vehicles.
A number of residents living along Nelson Road have already written to Grant District Council over the state of road.
Mount Gambier and Districts Road Safety Group chair David Burt yesterday described the $80m funding splurge as “terrific” news for industry and the community.
But he said the entire Mount Gambier to Portland route was “under stress” from heavy vehicle traffic and needed upgrading.
“Some parts of this road do not even have side line markings,” Mr Burt said.
He argued Nelson Road needed “turn-off points” to improve safety given the number of trucks on the road as well as regional traffic and tourists.
Regarding the Victorian roads earmarked for upgrades, said these roads needed overtaking lanes and additional truck rest stops.
But he warned the rebuilding of these roads were likely to cost more than $80m.
“The $80m will not do as much as you would think – we need these roads to be fixed properly.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell also threw his weight behind the need to upgrade the entire route from Mount Gambier to Portland.
Describing the upgrade across the border as “terrific”, he said the $1b backlog in the country road maintenance in South Australia needed urgent attention.
He called on the Marshall Government not to spend any more money on South Road in Adelaide until the money was poured into the regional road network.
“The Nelson Road is a shocker – it certainly needs attention,” Mr Bell said.
Meanwhile, Grant District Mayor Richard Sage said there was an opportunity for state, federal and local governments to come together to find a solution for regional roads such as the Nelson Road.
He said the Nelson Road needed attention given it was major route for trucks heading to the Port of Portland as well as carrying tourist traffic, school buses and regional residents.
“We need a lot more turn-off lanes,” Mr Sage said.
He warned parts of the road held water during wet conditions.
Mr Sage said he was hopeful a funding solution for the Nelson Road could be brokered.
