RAA Warns South Australia ‘On the Road to Ruin’ Amid $2.1 Billion Backlog

The Royal Automobile Association is warning that South Australia is “on the road to ruin,” following revelations of a record $2.1 billion road maintenance backlog.

The state Auditor General’s report shows road assets have deteriorated by $1.6 billion over five years, while only $892 million was spent on maintenance—a shortfall of 45 per cent.

RAA’s Senior Manager of Infrastructure and Road Safety, Charles Mountain, said deteriorating roads pose major safety and productivity risks.

“If you hit a pothole or your wheel drops off a crumbling shoulder at 110 kilometres an hour, the consequences can be horrific—possibly fatal,” Mr Mountain warned.

He urged the government to commit $1 billion over four years to address the growing backlog.

“Without serious investment, our roads will continue to deteriorate faster than the state can fix them—and that makes for a bumpy, and less safe, ride for all South Australians,” he said.

The report estimates the state’s transport network assets are valued at more than $36 billion, underscoring the scale of the challenge.