One of the region’s major thoroughfares has received a $170m funding boost as part of this week’s Federal Budget.

The Federal Government announced this week the South Australian economy will be boosted, roads will be safer, and thousands of jobs created, with a $625m investment into transport infrastructure from the Federal Government as part of its COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

One of the key investments for South Australia is an additional $170 million for the Princes Highway corridor, jointly funded with $136m from the Federal Government with a State Government contribution of $34 million.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Federal Government’s investment in the Princes Highway would have significant benefits for Limestone Coast road users, the local tourism industry as well as increasing productivity for the local agriculture sector.

“Funding for the Princes Highway will ensure those in our community get home sooner and safer, whilst also delivering more jobs locally both immediately and long term,” he said.

“Improving our local road infrastructure means jobs, it means livelihoods, it means stronger local communities and it means building a better and more secure future for Barker.”

Work on the Princes Highway will be delivered by the State Government and will begin later this year.

It will include overtaking lanes, intersection upgrades, shoulder sealing and asphalt and pavement rehabilitation.