Freight productivity and road safety in South Australia's Riverland region is being improved with upgrades to a major intersection on the Old Sturt Highway getting underway in the coming weeks and the completion of works on the Paringa Bridge.
The $2 million upgrade of the Old Sturt Highway staggered T-junction with Jury Road and Fuller Road, west of Berri, will realign the intersection to cater for heavy vehicles.
Higher productivity vehicles up to 36.5 metres will also be able to access the section of the Sturt Highway between Renmark and Yamba from mid-September thanks to the recent completion of improvements to the Paringa Bridge.
The bridge works were part of a $3.3 million package that also included shoulder and apron sealing at various sections of the highway between Truro and Paringa.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the $2 million upgrade of the Old Sturt Highway staggered T-junction with Jury Road and Fuller Road, west of Berri, will realign the intersection to cater for heavy vehicles.
"These works are part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Australian and South Australian governments are committed to investing in regional road projects and infrastructure upgrades, to improve road safety, build regional communities and create jobs."
South Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the intersection upgrades and the previous bridge work are supporting around 27 full time equivalent jobs over the construction period with all work expected to be completed by the end of the year.
"The Australian and South Australian governments are committed to investing in regional road projects and infrastructure upgrades, to improve road safety, build regional communities and create jobs," Minister Wingard said.
"This intersection upgrade, which forms part of the jointly funded $59.5 million Targeted Road Safety Works program, will improve safety for all road users by realigning Jury Road with Fuller Road to remove the existing dog leg intersection."
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said higher productivity vehicles up to 36.5 metres will also be able to access the section of the Sturt Highway between Renmark and Yamba from mid-September thanks to the recent completion of improvements to the Paringa Bridge.
"The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to keeping our communities safe, while securing our economic recovery," Mr Buchholz said.
"This project is a fantastic local example of our commitment to get South Australians home sooner and safer."
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the intersection upgrade works will be undertaken by South Australian company McMahon Services Australia.
"The Paringa Bridge works, which commenced in March 2021, included shoulder widening, and installation of traffic signals, safety barrier and energy efficient LED street lighting on the eastbound approach of the Paringa Bridge in Renmark," Mr Pasin said.
"The Paringa Bridge and Sturt Highway shoulder sealing works were part of the $87.5 million program for Sturt Highway upgrades under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, which is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments on an 80:20 basis."
Speed and lane restrictions will be in place to facilitate the works at the intersection and road users are advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and take extra care when workers are on site.
Observe speed limits and follow the directions of traffic controllers when travelling through the area.
