Road safety in the Barossa is set to improve with the announcement of a $1.8 million funding package through the 2024/25 Black Spot Program.
The federally funded program, in partnership with the State Labor Malinauskas Government, will see significant road safety improvements to Williamstown Road between Yettie and Adams Roads, Williamstown.
Member for Light and Labor Duty Member for Schubert, Mr Tony Piccolo, said the Black Spot Program funds safety measures at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.
“The Williamstown Road upgrade is one of 13 Black Spot projects which will make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on South Australian roads, on which 117 lives were tragically lost in 2023,” said Mr Piccolo.
“The project will include the installation of safety barriers, audio tactile line marking and signage improvements.”
The Black Spot Consultative Panel provides 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 South Australian Consultative Panel includes representatives from the Traffic Management Association of Australia, SA Police, SA Freight Council, Bicycle SA, Local Government Associations and the Royal Automobile Association.
Mr Piccolo said forty percent of lives lost and serious injuries that occur on South Australian Roads every year are on regional roads.
“This latest funding includes $5 million for four projects in country areas, which will help improve road safety for our regional communities.”
“We can all make mistakes when we are driving, so these road safety measures are designed to minimise the chance of fatalities.”
“While we all have a responsibility to drive safely on our roads, we should not have to pay with our lives if we make a mistake.”
Mayor Bim Lange welcomed the $1.8 million investment in Williamstown Road, describing it as an important road safety upgrade to address the State’s Road toll.
“We welcome this proactive infrastructure investment by the State Government in support of road safety for both local commuters and visitors to our Barossa region, many of whom are unfamiliar with our local traffic environment,” Mayor Lange said.
“We know this area carries high traffic volumes, so every measure to address road hazards, reduce the casualty crash rate and potentially save lives is critical.”