The Morrison and Marshall governments have released concept designs for vital junction upgrades along the Mitcham Hills corridor that will improve road safety and traffic flow through the Adelaide foothills.
The Australian Government has committed $20 million to works on the Old Belair Road and James Road T-Junction and improvements along Old Belair Road between Sheoak and Blythewood roads.
The South Australian Government is funding $20 million in upgrades to the Russell Street, Main Road and Sheoak Road junction.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said around 17,500 vehicles pass through the T-Junction every day and there were 50 crashes on Old Belair Road between Sheoak and Blythewood Roads from 2015 to 2019.
"Delivering safe and efficient roads is a key priority of the Australian Government, because even one crash is one too many," Minister Fletcher said.
"That's why I am proud to see these $40 million in upgrades progress, with works to deliver vital safety benefits for motorists while supporting around 115 full time jobs during construction.
"This is fantastic news as we continue to drive South Australia's recovery by delivering lasting infrastructure projects that provide jobs, economic stimulus and long-term community benefits."
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Corey Wingard MP, said the projects teams are now seeking feedback from the community on the designs.
"The Marshall Government is delivering its plan to keep South Australia safe and strong, by creating jobs, backing business and building what matters," Minister Wingard said.
"These notorious junctions have been a constant source of frustration for hills communities and these upgrades will provide commuters with safer and more reliable journeys.
"The feedback from the community on these designs is an important part of the process and we want to hear what you have to say. All feedback will be reviewed and considered – our aim is to deliver the upgrades that the community wants."
Federal Member for Boothby, Nicolle Flint MP, said ensuring commuters have a safe and quick journey is a key priority and encouraged locals to participate in the consultation.
"Our local residents know their roads best, which is why their feedback is so important," Ms Flint said.
"This stretch of road is incredibly unsafe and I am so pleased to have secured funding to fix this problem.
"Alongside other upgrades to the Mitcham Hills Road Corridor, this project will deliver a safer and quicker journey for thousands of locals every day."
Early works on the upgrade to the Old Belair Road and James Road T-junction and improvements along Old Belair Road (between Sheoak Road and Blythewood Road) are expected to commence in mid-2021, with main works expected to commence in late 2021.
Further details on dates for works on the Russell Street/ Main Road / Sheoak Road junctions will be provided following the community feedback process.
Detailed planning continues for the Shepherds Hill Road, Brighton Parade and Waite Street intersection upgrade, with a concept design expected to be released early this year.
For more information on the project visit: www.dit.sa.gov.au/mitchamhills.
