RAA warns road maintenance backlog may grow despite targeted investment in budget

In South Australia, the RAA has welcomed targeted investment in transport projects in this year’s State Budget, but warns the state’s $2.1 billion road maintenance backlog could continue to grow without sufficient funding.

The budget includes funding for a range of transport projects, including upgrades to the Horrocks Highway, intersection works at Mount Barker, expanded bus services to Murray Bridge and trials of battery-powered trains on the Belair line, alongside continued investment in the North-South Corridor.

However, while these projects are set to improve future connectivity, the RAA says they do not fully address the condition of existing roads, particularly across regional areas where wear and deterioration are already evident.

RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade says major infrastructure investment is important, but everyday road conditions are being impacted by ageing surfaces, potholes and cracking.

He says without stronger maintenance funding, the backlog is likely to continue growing despite the scale of new spending.

Moving forward, the RAA says it will continue to advocate for increased maintenance investment in future budgets.