Less congested roads will improve road safety, economic productivity and make South Australia more liveable.
Expanding our rail network
South Australia’s population could reach 2 million as soon as 2029, with the State Government releasing land for new developments from Sellicks Beach down south to Concordia in the north.
To cater for this population boom, RAA supports expanding the metropolitan rail network, including an extension of the Seaford line to Aldinga by 2030, an extension of the Gawler line to Concordia, and a rail line or high-capacity bus service to cater for people living in the Dry Creek and Riverlea developments.
These projects would bust congestion, reduce travel times and improve road safety.
We also support the provision of parking spaces at public transport terminals to encourage motorists to transfer to Adelaide Metro transport services and easing congestion on Adelaide roads.
Improving Adelaide Hills connectivity
The population of Mt Barker is set to increase by 47% to 56,700 in 2036, putting more pressure on the South Eastern Freeway.
RAA would like to see an extension of the third lane of the South Eastern Freeway to Verdun to support population growth in the Adelaide Hills and Mt Barker.
RAA also supports a revised public transport system between Adelaide and Mount Barker, which may include a bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
RAA supports planned upgrades to the Verdun and Mount Barker freeway interchanges to improve capacity, accessibility and reduce fire danger in the surrounding areas.
Removing level crossings
RAA has long advocated for a grade separation of the tram crossing at Marion Road and Cross Road to reduce congestion and support population growth. RAA welcomed a joint Commonwealth/State funding commitment of $400 million and believes the project should be completed before the start of major works on the North South Corridor.
RAA welcomes the joint Commonwealth/State funding commitment of $200 million to remove the tram crossing at Morphett Road, taking advantage of the time the tram corridor is closed for the upgrade to Marion Road and Cross Road.
RAA supports the removal of other level crossings on major corridors such as at Kings Road (Parafield), Park Terrace (Salisbury), and Cross Road (Kings Park).
Commonwealth infrastructure funding
Current investment into South Australia’s infrastructure from the Commonwealth Government sits at 8.26% over the next four years.
While this is proportional to our population, which makes up approximately 7% of the nation’s population, South Australia has 10.6% of the nation’s roads, making a case for increased funding for South Australian infrastructure to maintain the full amount of our roads.
We want to see continued commonwealth funding into the state that is proportional to our share of roads and population, as well as greater involvement in supporting road maintenance.
Given SA’s large land mass and sparse population, we also believe the federal government should consider funding 80% of regional road projects to support more road upgrades and improve road safety.
Digital public transport ticketing
Public transport patronage and satisfaction in South Australia is consistently poor compared to other mainland states.
RAA supports the introduction of digital ticketing to make it easier for patrons to plan a journey, buy, and validate an Adelaide Metro ticket online.
This will create a modern customer experience for South Australians and make public transport attractive, accessible, and easier to use – reducing congestion on our roads.
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