$560m SA Fleurieu Connections projects progresses towards construction

The final design for the $560 million duplication of Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road in South Australia has been revealed following an extensive stakeholder and community consultation. 

This new milestone takes the significant road duplication projects a step closer to reducing travel times, improving road safety, increasing connectivity across the Fleurieu Peninsula as well as supporting an average 770 full-time jobs annually during the construction phase. 

“The Australian Government is investing in and delivering the infrastructure that South Australians need and deserve. 

“This is another example 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,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

The final design for the Fleurieu Connections projects includes: 

• Stage 1: Duplication of Main South Road, from Seaford to Aldinga, including a grade separation (overpass) at the intersection of Tatachilla Road/Maslin Beach Road 
• A grade separation at Main South Road/Port Road, and a dual lane roundabout at Main South Road/Aldinga Road 
• Stage 2: ‘2+1’ lane road layout from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach, with associated road treatments that address safety issues and future capacity of Main South Road (the ‘2+1’ lane road layout consists of two lanes in one direction and one lane in the other, alternating every few kilometres). Further design and planning work will be carried out over the coming months to develop the Stage 2 design. There will be an opportunity for the community to provide input on this design once developed 
• Duplication of Victor Harbor Road between Main South Road and the McLaren Vale turn off, with additional safety treatments along Victor Harbor Road 
• A planning study to further investigate the preferred solution for Victor Harbor Road between Main Road, McLaren Vale and Tatachilla Road and to Willunga Hill 

“There was 92 per cent community support for the Stage 1 duplication of Main South Road between Seaford and Aldinga, which will improve road safety and boost productivity. 

“A survey of local residents showed 86 per cent of respondents supported a grade separation at the intersection with Tatachilla Road,” SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said. 

Over a five-year period from 2015 to 2019, there was a total of 187 reported crashes along the section between Griffiths Drive and Aldinga Beach Road – including two fatal incidents – and this route is anticipated to see an increase in traffic from 18,000 to 26,000 daily by 2036. 

The existing single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Port Road and Main South Road has caused significant delays to motorists passing through during peak periods. As a result of community feedback, a grade separation has been identified as the preferred solution for this intersection. 

“To finalise the preferred solution, we listened to the community, and completed traffic modelling and technical analysis. 

“Common feedback from the community was that duplication south of Aldinga wasn’t critical and may negatively impact the character of the area. 

“Other treatments to improve the safety of the area were, however important. The undulating nature of Main South Road, particularly north of Norman Road, was also consistently raised as a matter of concern. 

“Along with traffic modelling that has identified duplication of this section is not needed until after 2050, we have proposed a ‘2+1’ lane road layout which is a three-lane road, consisting of two lanes in one direction and one lane in the other, alternating every few kilometres,” Minister Wingard said. 

On Victor Road between Main South Road and the McLaren Vale turn off, daily traffic is expected to increase from 26,000 to 36,000 vehicles over the next 15 years. New safety treatments along this route will include an overtaking lane at Hindmarsh Valley. 

According to Senator for South Australia and Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham, consultation with the local community at Fleurieu resulted in having the best outcome for projects that will get motorists where they need to be sooner and safer. 

“Through engagement with local residents, better designs have been achieved without compromising future room for growth, while ensuring taxpayers are also getting the most value for their money. 

“These plans will deliver better and safer roads across the Fleurieu as well as reduce travel times for local residents and tourists. 

“Our Government is helping to deliver a steady pipeline of infrastructure projects across the state that will play a critical role in the ongoing economic recovery and jobs revival,” Minister Birmingham said. 

The Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road duplications are significant transport infrastructure projects for Fleurieu residents, which have the potential to bring in more tourists to the region. 

“The projects are incredibly important to south coast communities and our Government has listened to and acted upon the concerns and needs of local residents. 

“As a growing region and one of South Australia’s best tourist destinations, it is important we invest in making it safe and easy to travel to the Fleurieu Peninsula,” Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan CSC said. 

Major construction on both projects is anticipated to commence by the end of this year and works are due to be completed in 2024. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Premier of South Australia – Media Releases; Government of South Australia – Department for Infrastructure and Transport