Motorists have been given an early gift with the first fully completed section of the newly duplicated Augusta Highway opened in time for the holiday season.
All four lanes of the nine-kilometre stretch between Port Wakefield and Beaufort are now open to traffic for the first time, allowing drivers to travel on two brand-new northbound lanes and two refurbished southbound lanes.
The finished works will reduce travel time and congestion along the Augusta Highway while boosting road safety and freight productivity, marking a significant milestone in the Augusta Highway Duplication project.
Traffic was previously diverted onto the new duplicated carriageway in each direction earlier this year to enable reconstruction work on the existing two-lane highway to occur – aimed at future-proofing the major freight route by improving steep climbs and ensuring the existing road tied in with the new carriageway.
With these works completed, both sides of the highway – dual, two-lane carriageways between the Port Wakefield Overpass and Beaufort Road – are open, providing a more accessible link for regional communities.
More than 300 metres of guardrails have been installed along this key section, in addition to 12 new light poles to increase driver visibility at night.
During construction, 25 stormwater crossings and three culverts were also built underneath the highway to help prevent flooding after a rain event.
While all lanes are now open, some traffic restrictions will still be required while line marking and signage are installed.
The Augusta Highway Duplication project is part of the $450 million Princes Highway corridor package, jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, on an 80:20 basis.
Once complete, the project will provide dual, two-lane carriageways along a 28-kilometre stretch of the Augusta Highway from Port Wakefield to Lochiel.
The Augusta Highway Duplication project is supporting more than 300 jobs during construction and is expected to be fully completed in 2024.
Minister for Regional Roads, Geoff Brock, said the new corridor provides crucial connectivity to regional South Australia and Interstate.
Just days out from Christmas he urged South Australians to take care on the roads.
“I urge every South Australian to head into the new year safely by sticking to the speed limits, driving to the conditions, being patient and taking regular breaks.”
