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South Aussie road users are set to benefit from several funding commitments revealed at last night’s 2022-23 Federal Budget.
RAA had been calling for funding for many of the earmarked projects – including the Marion Road upgrade and improvements to several roads in the Adelaide Hills – over the last few years, and welcomes the investments from the Federal Government.
Our Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure, Charles Mountain, said the projects will help to reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance access for all road users.
“Investment in road infrastructure is a significant win for the South Australian community.”
“It prevents injuries and deaths on our roads, saves commuters’ time, helps keep the cost of everyday items down by increasing the efficiency of freight transport, and creates hundreds of local jobs.”
Key projects announced for South Australia in last night’s 2022–23 Federal Budget include:
The Marion Road upgrade is just one project RAA has been publicly advocating for, with the notorious roadblock—created by the tram level crossing at Marion Road at Plympton—causing one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in Adelaide.
“Our research shows that addressing the Marion Road bottleneck could reduce traffic delays by more than an hour during peak periods,” Mr Mountain said.
“Tens of thousands of South Australians travel through this level crossing each day, and this relatively simple upgrade to the level crossing will save commuters time and make it safer and more accessible.”
RAA understands the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package will fix roads including Onkaparinga Valley Road, Long Valley Road, North East Road, Torrens Valley Road and Lobethal Road—all of which were identified as in need of upgrades in our recent Adelaide Hills Regional Road Assessment.
Charles said there are other much-needed road improvements that don’t yet have funding, which is a reflection on why the State’s largest motoring organisation—along with its State and Federal counterparts— does not support cuts to the national fuel excise.
“With more lives lost on our roads last year than the year prior, and more people travelling as COVID restrictions ease, now is the time to be investing more in our roads and road infrastructure—not cutting billions of dollars of potentially life-saving funding.”
To view more assessments from our road safety team, visit the RAA website.