Mount Gambier road users will benefit from four roundabout upgrades and better road pavement along the city’s main thoroughfare.
These upgrades are part of the next stage of Princes Highway upgrades, set to begin soon.
Infrastructure company Acciona was awarded the contract to undertake the second stage of works for the Limestone Coast program of the $266.3m Princes Highway Corridor Upgrade.
This program is jointly funded by the Federal and South Australian governments, with the Federal Government contributing $213m and the State Government $53.3m.
Covering the section of the Princes Highway between Tantanoola and the Victorian border, the new package comprises various works.
Works include roundabout upgrades at four Jubilee Highway junctions, Jubilee Highway pavement rehabilitation between Suttontown Road and Penola Road, a Princes Highway intersection upgrade with The Springs and Burrungule roads and the upgrade of a rest area near Tantanoola.
Also included is extending three overtaking lanes on the Princes Highway – one near The Springs Road and Burrungule Road intersection, another near Stringy Bark Road and a third near Kangaroo Flat Road.
Two new overtaking lanes on the Princes Highway between Mount Gambier and the Victorian border are also proposed.
Early works at some locations will be undertaken in coming weeks and major works are expected to begin August 2023, with all works expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
The roundabout upgrades and pavement rehabilitation works in Mount Gambier will begin in September 2023 and be completed by mid-2024.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Princes Highway stage two upgrades would improve safety and travel time reliability for vehicles travelling through the city each day.
“The Australian Government believes in infrastructure investment that not only improves safety for those on our roads but reduces congestion and allows motorists to get to their destination sooner,” Minister King said.
Motorists are asked to plan ahead, expect delays, allow extra travel time, take extra care when workers are on site and observe speed limits, lane restrictions and traffic controllers when travelling through the area.
Meanwhile, the first stage of works for the Princes Highway Corridor Upgrade’s Limestone Coast program continues progressing, which cover the section of the Princes Highway between Meningie and Tantanoola.
Construction was recently completed on the two overtaking lane extensions north of Tantanoola Roadhouse, with traffic switched onto the new lane extension in late May 2023 to allow reconstruction of the adjacent lanes.
Construction of the two new overtaking lanes south of Meningie and the two new overtaking lanes north of Millicent is expected to be completed in July 2023.
Traffic will be switched onto the new overtaking lanes to allow for reconstruction work to be undertaken on the existing adjacent lanes.
Work has been completed on the Princes Highway junction upgrade with Furner Road and work continues on the Princes Highway junction upgrade with Walkers Tin Hut Road.
All remaining stage one works are expected to be completed in early 2024.
SA Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock acknowledged there would be some short-term pain for Mount Gambier residents while these important works were undertaken, but looked forward to the considerable long term benefits they would bring.
“The Princes Highway Corridor Upgrade program is supporting South Australia’s regional economic growth, improving access for high productivity freight movements and community connectivity, enhancing opportunities for regional tourism in South Australia and improving long term safety and efficiency for all road users,” Minister Brock said.
“This new package of works extends the roll-out of the program from the current works section between Meningie and Tantanoola through to the remainder of the highway towards the Victorian border.
“I’m pleased the works in the second stage include the upgrade of four roundabouts and pavement rehabilitation works along Mount Gambier’s main thoroughfare, which will improve road safety, driveability and traffic efficiency for local residents and visitors alike.”
South Australian Senator Don Farrell said the works would provide locals and visitors with a safer journey.
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure upgrades that Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast needs to improve travel times and protect lives,” he said.
“Making our roads safer through significant upgrades like these remains a high priority.”
