A critical infrastructure upgrade connecting Adelaide with the Yorke Peninsula, Port Augusta and northern and western South Australia has finally been completed, finally ending frustrated motorists' dismay in South Australia.
Local independent MP Fraser Ellis was quickly on hand to celebrate the announcement of a major improvement to the dangerous junction locally known as 'Crash Corner':
Metropolitan holidaymakers on Yorke Peninsula would often have to queue a long time to head home to Adelaide at the previous configuration of the intersection, with deteriorating patience one cause of serious crashes.
The $124.5 million dollar project exemplifies the importance the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government places in the area of infrastructure upgrades, according to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce:
“Our investment in this project is helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery." “The completion of this significant project will make the lives of the thousands of motorists who use this route each day easier, safer and more efficient, helping them get to where they need to be, when they need to be there." “The timing of completion is fantastic, just days out from Christmas. It’s an early Christmas present from the Australian and South Australian governments to the people of South Australia. We’ll continue to deliver the infrastructure South Australians need.”
With a state election looming, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall reminded South Australians his government was delivering on election promises from 2018.
“We came into Government with a vision and here we are today delivering a promise – made from tonnes of concrete and steel – that makes it easier and safer for South Australians to travel around our state.
“We know Port Wakefield Highway typically caters to nearly 9,000 vehicles per day through the town of Port Wakefield – and that number can double during holiday peak periods.
“This overpass is going to make a significant difference in the lives of so many people and is a prime example of how we continue to build what matters for South Australians."
"This crucial project forms part of our record $17.9 billion infrastructure spend in South Australia which is creating an abundance of jobs and fuelling our economy as we continue to rebound from COVID-19. This build alone is supporting 95 full time jobs each year during construction.”
Rowan Ramsey, the Liberals' federal member for Grey said the announcement signified a major milestone:
"This is a wonderful day marking the end of Crash Corner and when works are complete, the end of the Easter and January traffic jams at the gateway to Yorke Peninsula.”
"While there are works still underway the opening of the overpass marks a very significant point."
"The Federal Morrison Government is partnering with the Marshall State Government and providing more than a billion dollars of direct investment for the roads in Grey."
"Port Wakefield is just a part, albeit a very significant part of the rebuilding our road network."