Safer journeys on the way for the Southern Ports Highway

The Southern Ports Highway on the Limestone Coast (in South Australia's far south east) is the latest South Australian road to benefit from funding under a $168 million investment from the Road Safety Program. 

Under this joint Australian and South Australian Government investment, $18.3 million will be allocated to upgrade two 15-kilometre sections of the Southern Ports Highway, from Beachport to Southend Access Road and from Robe to Clay Wells Road. 

Both sections will undergo improvements including lane widening, shoulder sealing, pavement rehabilitation, culvert extensions, safety barriers, audio line tactile marking and vegetation removal. 

These upgrades will not only help keep motorists safe on the road, they will also support regional economic growth with 67 full-time jobs expected to be created during construction.

Works will begin in mid-2025 and be completed by mid-2026. 

This funding follows the previously announced safety upgrades of the Southern Ports Highway and Southend Access Road junction, to be completed in early-2025.

The $168 million investment under the Road Safety Program is equally funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, and will support approximately 305 full-time-equivalent jobs in local communities right across South Australia.

This program also forms part of the South Australian Road Safety Action Plan 2024-26. 

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

“In South Australia, and right across the country, we’re making targeted investments that will reduce commute times, future-proof our transport system and most importantly, make our roads safer for all drivers.

“The Limestone Coast’s picturesque port towns and mountain lakes attract thousands of tourists each year, so keeping the roads across this region up to standard is crucial for visitors and locals. 

“The rollout of these upgrades will help reduce death and serious injury, so after a terrible year on our roads, we’re proud to be working with the South Australian Government to deliver these important road safety projects.”

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

“We know drivers are frustrated with the condition of Southern Ports Highway and this is why our government is delivering upgrades that will make this highway safer for all users. 

“Southern Ports Highway is an important route for freight and a key link for tourism destinations in the south east.

"We want our truck drivers to feel safe at work, and for it to be as easy as possible for tourists to visit this beautiful part of our state. 

“Our government is dedicated to repairing and upgrading roads and highways in our regional areas.

"We will continue to consult with regional communities to make sure we’re delivering upgrades where they are needed most.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for MacKillop, Nick McBride:

“The Southern Ports Highway is one of the most complained about roads in my electorate.

"I have been advocating to the minister for this road to be re-built for some time and am pleased that the state government is listening to the concerns of those who live in MacKillop. 

“The Southern Ports Highway links the towns of Robe to Beachport and Millicent.

"It is not only an important freight route, but is a vital road link for tourists who visit the region.

“Sections of the Highway have been the subject of many ‘patch up’ jobs that haven’t stood the test of time. Too often we hear of vehicles being damaged when they hit potholes or veer off crumbling edges.

“It is my hope that this funding will ensure the road will be rebuilt properly – meaning safer travel for the many thousands of drivers who use this road each year.” 

Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Don Farrell:

“We know the Limestone Coast community has concerns about the condition of Southern Ports Highway, which is why the Australian and South Australian Governments are delivering funding where it’s needed most, to ensure our roads are kept up to speed.

“Regional South Australians are disproportionately represented in road crash statistics, and this funding is an important step towards improving the safety and quality of our regional road network.

“Whether you’re a tourist exploring South Australia’s spectacular coastline, a truck driver transporting freight, or a local commuting for work – you deserve to be safe and comfortable on our roads.”