South Australian company McMahon Services is undertaking works to construct two new overtaking lanes on the Riddoch Highway, improving road safety and increasing freight productivity on the major South East highway.

The project involves construction of a northbound overtaking lane north of Wrattonbully Road, at Joanna, and a southbound overtaking lane south of Edenhope Road, Coonawarra.

The overtaking lanes will be constructed approximately 17km and 33km south of Naracoorte, respectively.

Regional Roads Minister Geoff Brock said major works have now commenced with the overtaking lanes expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023, weather permitting.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments on an 80:20 basis as part of the $155m South Australian Rural Roads Safety Package.

Mr Brock said the project would support approximately 45 full-time equivalent jobs per year during construction and the local community would be kept up-to-date as works progress to deliver a safer and more efficient Riddoch Highway for all road users.

“This contract award underlines our ongoing commitment to improve our regional roads and deliver jobs for South Australians,” he said.