Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey is pleased that work is starting on the $3 million upgrade of 30 kilometres of the Oodnadatta Track and 25 kilometres of Kempe Road in outback South Australia.
Mr Ramsey said roads were economic lifelines for towns like Oodnadatta and their surrounding regions.
“These works will involve resurfacing the road and upgrading drainage, which will reduce the frequency of road closures and improve safety for drivers,” Mr Ramsey said.
The $3 million project fully funded by the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.
“I’m really pleased to see this $3 million investment in some of our remote roads. The works will also support 10 full-time equivalent jobs during construction,” Mr Ramsey said.
Works will be carried out on a 30 kilometre section of the Track between William Creek and Oodnadatta and a 25 kilometre section of Kempe Road between Oodnadatta and Coober Pedy.
The road will remain open to traffic, with speed restrictions in place while workers are on site. Works will be carried out between 7am and 6:30pm on weekdays and weekends over 21 day blocks, with seven day breaks until completed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce said the upgrades would boost driver safety and create fresh economic and social benefits for people who regularly use the roads, including local pastoralists, truckies and tourists.
“As well as being a heritage tourist corridor, the Oodnadatta Track is a vital freight and cattle transport route that makes a significant contribution to the national economy,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Turnbull-Joyce Government is fully funding this project, and hundreds of others across the nation under our $4.4 billion Roads to Recovery Program.”
The upgrades are expected to be completed in August 2018, weather permitting.
Contact: Courtney Stephens 08 8821 4366
17 Jan 2018
