Concept design cherry on top for Adelaide Hills drivers

Feedback from local road users has helped shape the concept design for Main Road, Cherry Gardens – the first design to be released as part of the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety (PRS) Package.

The $150 million PRS Package is being jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $120 million and the South Australian Government $30 million.

It includes a range of road improvements to support economic growth, improve road safety, and increase fire resilience in the region.

Phase one of community engagement for the PRS Package sought feedback on what was most important to the community to address along the seven priority road corridors, with these insights used to inform the proposed upgrade.

The main concern expressed by the 229 respondents was the quality of road surface, followed by narrow lane widths when travelling on the key corridors.

The concept design includes road and curve widening to improve safety for road users and access for heavy vehicles, plus new road surfacing to ensure long-term safety and integrity.

Construction is expected to start later in 2023, and will deliver on another Malinauskas Government election commitment.

Feedback received in phase one of community engagement will also be used to develop concept plans for the other key road corridors, including:

  • Main Road – Edgecumbe Parade, Blackwood to Black Road, Coromandel Valley
  • Kangarilla Road / Dashwood Gully Road – Clarendon to Meadows
  • North East Road / Torrens Valley Road – Houghton to Mount Pleasant
  • Norton Summit Road / Lobethal Road / Mount Torrens Road – Teringie to Mount Torrens
  • Mount Barker Road / Strathalbyn Road – Stirling to Strathalbyn
  • Onkaparinga Valley Road – Birdwood to Verdun
  • Long Valley Road – Wistow to Strathalbyn.

Investigations have also started into works at the intersections of Junction and Jones roads, and Onkaparinga Valley, Nairne and Junction roads, both located in Balhannah.

Some of the works included in the Adelaide Hills PRS Package are identified as more urgent or in an advanced stage of planning and design.

Locations along the Onkaparinga Valley, Clarendon, and Lobethal roads corridors were identified for immediate road surface upgrades, which are scheduled to begin this month.

Asphalting works on Main Road, between Edgecumbe Parade and Black Road, were completed in December 2022.

More information about upcoming works and feedback from phase one can be found at www.dit.sa.gov.au/adelaidehillsprs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is proud to be working with the South Australian Government to deliver the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package, targeting key locations for vital improvements.

“Main Road, Cherry Gardens was identified by the Royal Automobile Association as South Australia’s second riskiest metro road in 2021, making these works a top priority.

“The people of the Adelaide Hills have spoken – and we have listened, taking real and practical action to bring these areas of community concern to the top of the agenda.

“This region is also home to some of the most popular and picturesque tourist destinations in the state, meaning these upgrades will also deliver a safer journey for those visiting the region – supporting local tourism operators and keeping our economy moving.

“I look forward to seeing this concept and others under the PRS take shape as we help deliver these transformational projects.”

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

“I’d like to thank all community members and road users who attended community drop in sessions, completed surveys and sent emails and online submissions to provide feedback as part of the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package.

“This feedback has been pivotal in the development of the concept design for Main Road, Cherry Gardens, which will improve safety, heavy vehicle access and the long-term integrity of the road.

“The Malinauskas Labor Government committed to improving Main Road, Cherry Gardens if elected and this is a major step in making good on that promise.

“Nearly half of all the feedback we received in phase one of the package was regarding Main Road, Cherry Gardens, indicating just how important the safety of this road is to the community.

“We are now seeking feedback and further insights from the community to further inform the concept design.

“Dates and locations for upcoming community drop in sessions are currently being finalised and will be announced soon.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Davenport Erin Thompson MP:

“I promised my community that Labor would deliver a safety upgrade of Main Road, Cherry Gardens, and I am pleased to now progress that commitment with the release of this concept design.

“Residents have long advocated for improvements along this important but dangerous stretch of road.

“Road safety is high on my agenda, and the State and Federal Governments are working to ensure that Main Road, Cherry Gardens offers an improved experience for all road users.

 

“I extend my thanks to all residents that participated in the initial phase of consultation and look forward to working closely with my community as we deliver this important upgrade.”