The Horrocks Highway upgrade project has received an additional $40 million for a series of upgrades taking place along the key freight route.
This brings the total government investment into the project to $105 million.
The additional funding will go towards widening and strengthening bridges at Wakefield River, Hutt River and Rocky River, upgrading local road junctions, delivering shoulder sealing and curve widening, installing safety barriers and audio tactile line marking, and providing overtaking lane extensions at Tarlee and Templers.
This will build on works already underway, including installing new overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing along priority sections between Clare and Auburn and south of Giles Corner, improvements to the Gladstone level crossing, and the replacement of a bridge and a culvert north of Melrose.
“Safer and more efficient highways mean freight can be moved to international and domestic buyers more quickly and tourists can reach their destination sooner, ensuring these important sectors continue to drive our economy,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce.
Finance Minister and Senator for South Australia Simon Birmingham adds that the project will improve safety and ride quality on the road, while increasing accessibility for local freight networks.
“The Horrocks Highway is a vital rural route in South Australia, and is a major gateway connecting primary producers and tourists alike from the Clare Valley to the Mid North of our state,” Birmingham said.
“Upgrading this key route will also improve access for our primary producers and local businesses to domestic and international markets, ensuring their local produce can get to where it needs to.”