Spotlight on safety as funding brings SA Black Spots out of the dark

Boosting safety is the top priority at 17 dangerous crash sites on South Australia’s roads, with the Australian Government committing $5.9 million in 2023-24 under the Black Spot Program to fully fund upgrades at each of them.

The program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.

One of these locations is at the intersection of Dalkeith Road and Stebonheath Road in Kudla where funding of almost $2 million is being provided to install a roundabout to keep traffic moving safely.

The 17 Black Spot projects will make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on SA roads, and build on previous investments across the state.

Black Spot Consultative Panels provide the opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the project selection process, and ensure that nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community are recommended for approval.

The SA consultative panel includes representatives from the South Australian Road Transport Association, South Australian Freight Council Inc, Traffic Management Association of Australia, Bicycle SA, SA Police, Royal Automobile Association of SA, Local Government Association of SA and the SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/black-spot-program/index.aspx.

A list of funded projects is available further below.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown:

“This major investment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safer roads, as we work towards Vision Zero: no deaths on Australian roads by 2050.

“We have committed $110 million per year to the Black Spot Program to work with state, territory and local governments to improve road safety across the nation.

“These 17 new projects in SA are another example of our commitment to keeping Australians safe on our roads, reducing the devastating impacts of road trauma while supporting local jobs and communities.” 

Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis:

“We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Australian Government to ensure our road network in South Australia is safer by targeting the worst accident spots one by one.

“Too often we hear about tragic vehicle accidents happening at the same places. We’re pleased to be involved in this ongoing program which will improve safety right at the places where it’s needed.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Makin and Chair of the South Australia Black Spot Consultative Panel, Tony Zappia MP:

“The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has found that Black Spot projects reduce the number of crashes causing death and injury by 30 per cent on average.

“This investment in Black Spot projects will deliver safer roads throughout the state.

“This Government is investing in road safety right across the state and the nation to ensure Australians get home safely every trip.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Spence, Matt Burnell MP:

“As we know, it is not just locals living in Kudla that utilise Dalkeith and Stebonheath Roads.

“Dalkeith Road provides important East/West connections between the Northern Expressway and Main North Road, while also reducing traffic along Curtis Road.

“It has been regularly raised with my office that the intersection of Dalkeith and Stebonheath Road is of concern and in need of an urgent upgrade.

“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering real outcomes for our community and ensuring they get to work, school and home safely.”

Quotes attributed to State Member for Piccolo, Tony Piccolo MP:

“Residents in my electorate have long been calling for action on black spot at the intersection of Dalkeith Road and Stebonheath Road.

"This funding for a new roundabout is a great vindication of their efforts and we’re very grateful that the Albanese Government has listened to the local community.”

Quotes attributed to Mayor of Playford, Glenn Docherty:

“The City of Playford welcomes the funding announcement for this identified black spot location. This upgrade is a great community outcome. It is great to see the City of Playford partnering with the Town of Gawler and other levels of government to deliver much needed road infrastructure to support our growing community. 

"This important roundabout project will be delivered by the City of Playford with design to be undertaken in 2023/24 and construction works to be completed in 2024/25.”

Quotes attributed to Mayor of Gawler, Karen Redman:

“The decision to install a roundabout at the Dalkeith Road/Stebonheath Road intersection is a direct response to the growing concerns of congestion and safety for both motorists and pedestrians. The new roundabout will provide a more efficient and streamlined traffic management system.

"Both the Town of Gawler and Playford Council recognise that the installation of the new roundabout may cause temporary inconvenience during the construction phase. However, we assure all stakeholders that every effort will be made to minimise disruptions and keep traffic disruptions to a minimum.”

South Australia Black Spot Program 2023–24