REGIONAL roads in the Limestone Coast have received a $16.5m boost to improve safety, which will lead to in the reinstatement of 110kph speed limits on three main arterial routes.
The state and federal governments have announced works on the Riddoch Highway and Carpenter Rocks and Clay Wells roads to enable a safe return to the 110kph limit on sections of each road.
It follows the former State Labor Government reducing the speed limit to 100kph on the roads back in 2017.
The move received backlash from the community, with some drivers responding by running over the speed limit signs to express their frustration.
Upgrades on the Mount Gambier to Port MacDonnell stretch of the Riddoch Highway will include the installation of an 800mm wide centreline median between Kilsby Road and Allendale East, audio tactile line marking, minor shoulder seal widening and roadside hazard protection.
Shoulders will be upgraded on 16km of Carpenter Rocks Road, with 4km of the work funded by the National Blackspot program.
A 55km stretch of Clay Wells Road will have shoulder sealing works completed in addition to seven bridge barrier replacements.
The works include roundabout upgrades, shoulder sealing, roadside hazard protection and delineation improvements right across the region.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said he was pleased to see the delivery of the Rural Roads Package gaining speed.
“This bumper package of works will target critical areas of the regional and rural South Australian road transport network, improving pavements, installing new overtaking lanes and upgrading key intersections,” Mr Pasin said.
“Combined, these works will enhance liveability and connectivity between people and places, business and markets.
“They will also improve travel times, which is a great result for the community.”
State Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll said the government was delivering on its election commitment to have the speed limits reinstated.
“This is part of the Marshall Government’s record $1.1b regional road and infrastructure package we announced in last year’s State Budget to improve country roads and help save lives.
“After 16 years of neglect under Labor, the Liberal Government is building South Australia’s regions to make our country roads safer.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, who has campaigned for the reinstatement of the speed limits for almost two years, welcomed the announcement, stating it had been a “long road to get to this position”.
“What should be pleasing to our residents is it is not just a speed limit increase, the road is being upgraded,” he said.
“It is a big win for our community and really does highlight the neglect that we have suffered over the last decade.
“Right from the change of government, I have been hooding this Liberal Government to its promises and speed limit increases is just one of a number of policies that are being implemented.”
