Truck drivers in the far north of South Australia now have more opportunities to safely take a break, with new and improved rest areas now open and ready for use.

Major works are complete on the construction of a new heavy vehicle rest stop along Olympic Dam Highway at Pimba and the upgrade of an existing rest area along Stuart Highway at Arcoona.

Equally funded by the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments under the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Initiative, these works ensure safer journeys for the approximately 950 vehicles, including 330 heavy vehicles, that collectively travel past these sites every day.

The $4.25 million Stuart Highway Rest Areas project delivers more opportunities for road users to safely pull over and manage fatigue, boosting road safety and freight productivity.

The upgrades supported 15 local jobs during construction.

Extending approximately 2,700 kilometres between Port Augusta and Darwin, the Stuart Highway is a key transport, agriculture, mining and tourism corridor linking South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Arcoona rest stop near Island Lagoon Lookout has been enhanced with access improvements, a sealed parking area and new amenities including a new shelter with a picnic table and seating.

The new rest area at Pimba, adjacent to Spud’s Roadhouse, provides another place for drivers to safely stop, and includes new pavement and improved drainage.

Both rest areas can accommodate four triple road trains at a time. Separate parking will also be available for light vehicles to provide the opportunity to stop and rest. 

From 2020 to 2024, there were 51 reported crashes on Stuart Highway between Tarcoola Road, Glendambo, and Eyre Highway, Port Augusta. Tragically, these crashes resulted in four lives lost and eight serious injuries.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“The Albanese Government is committed to upgrading existing and constructing new rest areas to improve safety and productivity for our heavy vehicle industry.

“We know that fatigue is one of the most significant contributors to serious incidents involving heavy vehicles. Our government is investing in safer, more accessible rest areas across the nation.

“Completion of these projects in remote South Australia will be welcome news for our truckies, and we’re proud to partner with the SA Government to deliver more projects that improve safety for truckies and enhance freight productivity across the state.”

Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs:

“Providing well-spaced and safe rest areas for truck drivers to stop helps reduce fatigue-related crashes, improving safety along the road corridor and keeping freight securely on the move.

“This investment will enable all roads users a greater opportunity to take a break, safely manage their fatigue, and get out of their vehicle to stretch their legs.

“This project will ensure the longevity of these areas on one of the State’s busiest regional freight corridors, supporting the long-term safety of the truck drivers and motorists who rely on them daily to stay safe.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Karen Grogan:

“The Stuart Highway is a key strategic freight route, and these rest stops are part of the Albanese Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to improving driver safety and amenity across outback South Australia.

“These upgrades make this important stretch of road safer for everyone who uses it, from truckies moving freight across the country to the thousands of tourists and other motorists that travel the Stuart Highway each year.

“With many families travelling this stretch of road to reunite with loved ones this Christmas, it’s fantastic to have these new amenities ready for the holiday season.”