Concept design plans detailing a critical infrastructure upgrade for the Sturt Highway and national freight network between South Australia and New South Wales have been made available for public consultation.
It is hoped the Truro Bypass alignment, the first of major works concerning the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass project, will lead to increased freight productivity and improved road safety as well as reducing the number of 600 B-Doubles and road trains on Truro’s main street each day.
The investment is also underpinned by the government’s commitment to keeping the route as close as possible to Truro township for tourism and other commercial prospects.
The plans reveal that major works will commence on Sturt Highway on a new more northerly route down Accommodation Hill, creating a new westbound overtaking lane. The new route will eliminate the winding and dangerous section of the traditional line of the highway running closer to the Hallett quarry.
Concerned citizens and members of the community will have the chance to scrutinise the plans put to them this month, with a particular focus on combining ideas to improve Truro’s main street.
The Australian Federal government and South Australian government have committed $202 million towards the design and construction of the project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce emphasised the importance of the upgrade concepts in boosting job creation and improving freight productivity.
“The Sturt Highway is the major road freight corridor connection between South Australia and New South Wales and the demand to cater for larger freight vehicles is only increasing.”
“The project also complements our joint $87.5 million investment to upgrade the Sturt Highway between Renmark and Gawler to improve access requirements for higher efficiency heavy vehicles, as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.”
“The Truro Bypass will help boost the efficiency of this vital freight corridor by removing the need to travel through the town’s main street for the approximately 600 B-Doubles and road trains which do so every day.”
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who appeared on Flow last week, drew the focus to the associated investment in the future of the Truro community:
“We understand the importance of supporting regional communities like Truro to thrive and this $1 million is aimed at creating opportunities to support the Truro community.”
“These upgrades would help build on the existing amenity and historical character of the town with enhancements including main street beautification, improved public amenities and tourism signage to encourage travellers to stop off in the town.”