visit raa.com.au
To address the dire condition of SA’s road network, reduce congestion and save lives, RAA is calling for a historic infrastructure funding injection in next week’s State Budget.
On behalf of its more than 830,000 members, RAA says a $1bn road maintenance package over the next four years is critical to make SA roads safer.
The state currently has a $2bn road maintenance backlog – with more than 2,500 kilometres of the road network in need of repair.
The critical ask forms part of RAA’s State Budget Submission, which also calls for the State Government to:
RAA welcomes the State Government’s $125 million State Budget announcement to match Federal Government funding and remove the level crossing on Curtis Road at Munno Para.
The level crossing removal is a significant project—along with the previously announced dual-lane roundabout at the intersection with Heaslip Road—and forms part of a suite of upgrades needed along Curtis Road in the short to medium term.
A dual carriageway is also needed along the corridor – which was voted the state’s riskiest road in RAA’s most recent Risky Roads survey – to improve safety and reduce congestion.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said road maintenance is one of the most-raised issues by the organisation’s members.
“If we’re serious about making our roads safer, reducing congestion and helping to save lives, we need to see a much-needed funding boost for our roads in the upcoming State Budget,” Mr Reade said.
“Anyone who drives on our roads, particularly in our regions, knows the deteriorating condition of some of our road network—cracks, potholes and crumbling shoulders are now commonplace.
“Key road maintenance issues continue to be raised by our members who travel along Victor Harbor Road (McLaren Vale to Willunga), Black Top Road (One Tree Hill), Womma Road, Marion Road and Victor Harbor Road.
“South Australians want to see investment into fixing our roads before the current $2bn backlog becomes even bigger – and this will help to prevent serious injury crashes and save lives.”
Mr Reade said the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass would improve the safety of many metropolitan roads.
“We want to see the State Government progress the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass, following the recent $525 million commitment from the Federal Government.
“A bypass will reduce the number of heavy vehicles needing to use busy suburban roads like Portrush Road.
“It is a critical project of national significance from a freight perspective – which is why we believe it should be funded through an 80:20 investment between the Federal and State governments.
“Further, we know the Adelaide Hills population continues to grow, and a third lane on the South Eastern Freeway to Verdun is critical for the corridor to cope with this growth.”
Mr Reade said other investments were needed to cater for SA’s growing population.
“As our population swells towards 2 million, we need our transport infrastructure to keep pace, so we maintain our liveability and attractiveness as a state.
“We need a significant uplift for our public transport system to modernise it and make it more attractive for commuters.
“A big increase in funding for safer cycling and walking routes would give people more options to get around and reduce the pressure on our suburban roads.
“We’re calling for a $10m per year State Bicycle Fund to allow the State Government to partner with more councils to deliver projects that protect vulnerable road users.”
Read RAA’s full State Budget Submission on the RAA website.