AFTER being discussed for more than 50 years, the Penola bypass finally opened to motorists this morning.
The second and final stage of the $14.6m bypass, which diverts traffic away from the town’s main street, received its first vehicles at 6am today.
With works still continuing, the bypass will have a speed limit of 60kph to enable driver familiarisation.
The completion of the bypass is expected in mid-2020 and the final posted speed limit of 100kph is expected to be in place by the end of April.
Construction has been funded by the Federal Government – which contributed $11.7m to the project – with the State Government funding the remaining $2.9m.
Wattle Range Council contributed more than $2m to acquire the corridor for the bypass.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the purpose of the Penola Bypass was to significantly reduce heavy vehicle traffic volumes through the Penola township, reducing conflict between heavy vehicles, pedestrians and local traffic in the township.
“Today marks the completion of a project that has been 50 years or more in the making,” he said.
“To finally have the works completed is a huge relief considering what the community went through under the previous State Labor Government, who refused to accept the Federal funding I fought so hard to secure.”
Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll said the Penola Bypass was a critical piece of infrastructure for the Limestone Coast.
“The Marshall Liberal Government understands how important regional roads and infrastructure are for the future prosperity of our state,” Mr Knoll said.
“We are backing our regions and are delivering a host of measures to improve infrastructure such as the Penola Bypass to help grow regional economies and support regional jobs.”
State Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said he was proud to be part of a government that had been committed to enabling the completion of the long-awaited bypass finished.
“This is a fantastic day for our community,” said Mr McBride.
“With the Northern and the Southern section of the bypass now completed, the so-called “road to nowhere” is no more.
“Vehicles will now have the option to bypass the township, reducing the number of heavy vehicles passing through Penola.”
“This will improve safety for local residents and businesses and enable them to concentrate on growing their town as an important tourism and commercial destination.”
The newly completed section is a continuation of the Penola southern bypass and caters for commercial vehicles travelling on the Robe to Clay Wells Road and the Riddoch Highway.
The first and southern stage of the bypass was completed in 2015, with the previous State Government funding the 2.5km section between Robe Road and Riddoch Highway.
The Federal Government’s contribution for stage two, earmarked in 2015 as part of the South Australian Regional Roads Package, resulted in a stalemate after being rejected by the Weatherill Government.
Ahead of the 2018 election, the State Liberals pledged to fund the stage two works, with Premier Steven Marshall committing to the project just weeks after being elected.
