Two culverts have been upgraded along the Horrocks Highway, one north of Rhynie and the other just south of Murray town at Wild Dog Creek, improving safety for all drivers, particularly heavy vehicle operators.
With reinforced culverts, both sections of the highway will now be able to accommodate larger heavy vehicles, improving freight movement in the Mid North.
The upgrade also makes the road more flood resilient, preventing damage and soil erosion during severe weather events.
More than 1200 vehicles travel through these sections each day with 170 of them being heavy vehicles.
These projects, totalling more than $9 million are funded by the Albanese and Malinauskas governments.
The Albanese Government has committed over $6.4 million towards the replacement of both culverts through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with the difference being funded by the South Australian Government.
These works have supported 35 full-time jobs during the construction period.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain:
"Culverts are an essential part of highway infrastructure - helping drainage, flood prevention and improving overall safety.
"That's why we're investing $6.4 million towards these works along Horrocks Highway, to help improve this important road and keep people safe."
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis:
"A culvert allows water to flow under a road. They may go unnoticed but they're a vital part of our infrastructure and without them, our roads would deteriorate and flood.
"Upgrading these culverts ensures regional communities can stay connected during severe weather events and gives freight operators peace of mind when transporting goods and services.
"A well-maintained culvert can be the difference between a road that's passable and one that isolates a community."
