The Port Wakefield Overpass, which will improve road safety and traffic congestion at one of South Australia’s busiest road junctions, is a step closer as land acquisition begins and design works progress.
The $90 million project will see construction of an overpass at the intersection of Augusta Highway and the Copper Coast Highway, along with duplication of the main road through the township of Port Wakefield.
Minster for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll, along with Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and State Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis today gave an update of where the Port Wakefield project was at.
“This important project is a step closer to becoming a reality as the Marshall Liberal Government starts the land acquisition process and reviews the design concept,” said Minister Knoll.
“New design options include investigating a possible two-lane overpass alternative which would remove all at-grade turn movements at the intersection as well as the possibility of a two-lane roundabout for triple road trains, at the connection to Balaklava Road.
“The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure have identified properties which under current design will be required for the project and are in the process of meeting with landowners.”
Mr Ramsey said the road was used by 70 per cent of his electorate population and most of the interstate traffic to the north and west and the project would have a significant impact on traffic congestion at the busy junction.
“Port Wakefield Road typically carries more than 8,500 vehicles per day however this number increases to around 14,500 during holiday peak periods such as today,” said Mr Ramsey.
“This can result in lengthy traffic delays as well as creating a dangerous situation for motorists.
“Thanks to $72 million from the Federal Government and $18 million from the State Government traffic congestion will be a thing of the past at Port Wakefield.”
Mr Ellis said the project was warmly welcomed by local residents and those on the Yorke Peninsula.
“The overpass as well as the duplication of the main road in Port Wakefield will improve road safety and shorten travel times,” said Mr Ellis.
“For far too long governments of all levels have ignored one of South Australia’s most notorious intersections so I applaud both the State and Federal Governments for making this project a reality.”
The main works contract is expected to be awarded in early 2020 with works expected to commence later that year. The project is expected to be completed in 2022.