Targeted sections of the Augusta Highway between Redhill and Snowtown have been identified by the State government for major resurfacing works and will be funded as part of a $250m Princes Highway Corridor Upgrade.

“I am extremely pleased to hear the news that these upgrades will occur,” Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP said.

“I have been lobbying hard for this essential highway upgrading work and wrote to Minister Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard in early August, after he took on his new role, to again bring this matter to his department’s attention.”

Mr Brock has long been concerned about the section of the highway between Redhill and Snowtown which has become a growing safety issue for road users.

“The number of tourists that are now travelling along this route to enjoy northern South Australia as a holiday destination has increased traffic volume and contributed to the deterioration of the road surface – becoming a significant issue for those towing caravans on the undulating surface.”

The increased tourism activity coupled with ever increasing numbers of heavy transport vehicles to the Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spencer Gulf as well as the resources sector in the north of the State have resulted in the highway requiring urgent rehabilitation, Mr Brock said.

“I welcome the advice that the Department is working on scoping details for this section of the road and the collaboration of funding between the Australian and State Governments.

“The Princes Highway Corridor Upgrade also includes $80 million to commence the duplication of the Augusta Highway and other safety improvements including overtaking lanes, intersection improvements and rest areas.”