ROAD safety is at the forefront of the State Government with a new $168m investment announced.
The cash injection will help save lives by improving regional and urban roads, footpaths and cycleways.
This year, 109 people were killed on South Australian roads with the government increasing its contribution to match the Federal Government’s $84. Commitment to the state under the Road Safety Program.
The joint funding commitment was in addition to the $98m included in the 2023-2024 State Budget.
The latest investment will include funding for new regional works such as shoulder sealing, audio-tactile line markings, delineation, roadside barriers, lane and curve widening and pavement works.
It will also have regional roads where work was undertaken improved to at least a three-star safety rating level with the projects and locations to be determined in 2024.
It will also invest in infrastructure which will improve safety of people walking and riding including new crossings, safety upgrades at existing intersections and improvements to strategic bikeways.
Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock said the improvements would make a “world of difference” to the state’s freight industry by enhancing truck drivers’ working conditions and ensuring safer journeys.
“After a tragic year for fatalities on our regional roads, it is more crucial than ever to improve our regional road network and these upgrades will go a long way to helping reduce the South Australian road toll,” Mr Brock said.
Minister for Emergency Services Joe Szakacs said safer roads meant safer communities and journeys for locals and visitors.
“Road crashes, especially those in regional areas, send shockwaves through communities. Improving our regional roads is a major part of the state’s effort to curb tragic losses and serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Szakacs said.
Also in support of the announcement was Royal Automobile Association of South Australia senior manager of safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain.
Mr Mountain said the additional funding was a welcome investment to improve road safety, especially in the regions and for vulnerable road users.
“RAA has continually called for greater infrastructure investment across our road network and a focus on improving the star ratings of roads, and we look forward to seeing which projects will be rolled out to deliver better safety outcomes,” Mr Mountain said.
“It’s also pleasing to see projects that will help protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and school children will be prioritised.
“Road and infrastructure upgrades make our roads safer and can help save lives and prevent injuries – which is more important than ever given the horrific year we’re having on SA roads.”
