First section of Augusta Highway Duplication now open

Motorists have been given an early gift with the first fully completed section of the newly duplicated Augusta Highway opened in time for the holiday season.

All four lanes of the nine-kilometre stretch between Port Wakefield and Beaufort are now open to traffic for the first time, allowing drivers to travel on two brand-new northbound lanes and two refurbished southbound lanes.

The finished works will reduce travel time and congestion along the Augusta Highway while boosting road safety and freight productivity, marking a significant milestone in the Augusta Highway Duplication project.

Traffic was previously diverted onto the new duplicated carriageway in each direction earlier this year to enable reconstruction work on the existing two-lane highway to occur – aimed at future-proofing the major freight route by improving steep climbs and ensuring the existing road tied in with the new carriageway.

With these works completed, both sides of the highway – dual, two-lane carriageways between the Port Wakefield Overpass and Beaufort Road – are open, providing a more accessible link for regional communities.

More than 300 metres of guardrails have been installed along this key section, in addition to 12 new light poles to increase driver visibility at night.

During construction, 25 stormwater crossings and three culverts were also built underneath the highway to help prevent flooding after a rain event.

While all lanes are now open, some traffic restrictions will still be required while line marking and signage are installed.

The Augusta Highway Duplication project is part of the $450 million Princes Highway corridor package, jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, on an 80:20 basis.

Once complete, the project will provide dual, two-lane carriageways along a 28 kilometre stretch of the Augusta Highway from Port Wakefield to Lochiel.

The Augusta Highway Duplication project is supporting more than 300 jobs during construction and is expected to be fully completed in 2024.

The Augusta Highway is the key road corridor between Port Wakefield and Port Augusta and forms part of the National Land Transport Network, providing crucial connectivity to regional South Australia and interstate.

As put by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

"The Australian Government wants all South Australians to be safe on our roads over the holiday season, so it's great to see these works completed and all lanes open for the first time.

"Opening both dual-lane carriageways will improve road safety and traffic flow along one of South Australia's busiest highways."

As put by South Australian Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock

"This corridor provides crucial connectivity to regional South Australia and interstate and I look forward to seeing the entire duplication project being completed in 2024.

"I urge every South Australian to head into the new year safely by sticking to the speed limits, driving to the conditions, being patient and taking regular breaks."

As put by Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan

"The Augusta Highway is a key road corridor between Port Wakefield and Port Augusta, forming part of the National Land Transport Network.

"This vital upgrade is one of several sections to be improved, which will improve safety, freight productivity and network reliability while also reducing travel times."