Southern Ports Highway is the latest road to benefit from funding via the joint Federal and State Government’s $168 million Road Safety Program.
The 13.8 km section of road between the Southend Access Road turn off and Beachport outlet will be reconstructed by Wattle Range Council on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).
The community is set to benefit from major road upgrades with construction scheduled to begin mid July 2025 and continue through to the end of March 2026.
The road reconstruction will be completed in stages, allowing the work to be carried out efficiently to minimise disruptions to residents and businesses.
“The roadworks are not just about fixing potholes” Peter Halton, Director of Engineering for the Wattle Range Council said, “It’s about delivering a safer, more usable road that meets the needs of our growing community, now and into the future.”
To build a quality road, maintain project efficiency and avoid extending the works over multiple years, it will be necessary to close the road for extended periods of time.
“While the road closures will cause a temporary inconvenience, it’s a necessary step to ensure the project is delivered within a reasonable timeframe and to a high standard” he said.
Public meetings will be held in both Southend and Beachport to give local residents and business owners an opportunity to learn more about the works, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Efforts are also underway to coordinate with local schools regarding bus routes and ensure minimal disruption to students and families.
We understand that residents traveling between Southend and Beachport will be impacted; so a permit system will be implemented to allow restricted access to approved residents. The trip from Southend to Beachport for these permitted users, is expected to take an additional 15 minutes due to speed restrictions that will be put in place.
Road users that do not have a permit will need to use an alternate route via Hatherleigh and Kangaroo Inn, adding approximately 15 minutes to travel time.
The project will create local opportunities, with additional staff and contractors from the region being hired to bolster Council’s experienced construction crews to carry out the works—a win for the local economy.
Importantly, roadworks will pause during the peak summer holiday period, allowing for access during the busiest time of year.
“This project is a huge step forward for our region. It’s not just about the road, it’s about our future. While we understand any disruption is difficult, we ask residents to consider the long-term benefit. A safer, high-quality road is something we all deserve,” said Mr Halton.
More details, including the dates of public meetings and access permits is available on the Council’s website https://www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/living-here/major-project-and-public-works/works-notice-southern-ports-highway.
For further information on this release please contact:
Ben Gower, Chief Executive Officer
Email: council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au
Telephone: (08) 8733 0900