Improved access and road safety in and around the Adelaide Hills township of Hahndorf are a step closer with the release of the Hahndorf Strategic Traffic Planning Study.
The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport completed the Study to inform the development of the $250 million Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade Project.
The Study's outcomes have now been released for public consultation, including three concept design options for alternative vehicle access to and around Hahndorf.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project will improve safety for the growing number of visitors accessing the township while supporting 350 full-time-equivalent jobs during construction.
"Hahndorf is one of South Australia's premier tourism destinations with around one million visitors each year and traffic volume on the main street is growing by 1.9 per cent annually," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"As part of our COVID-19 economic recovery plan, we have committed to delivering a range of traffic solutions to improve safety and amenity for tourists and locals through a better connected and more efficient local road network."
South Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the project will deliver a solution that allows traffic to bypass Hahndorf's main street if need be.
"Currently, there is no convenient alternative route for freight vehicles travelling northbound or southbound through the local area, so they need to use Mount Barker Road to get where they need to go," Minister Wingard said.
"Three alternative route options have been identified to provide access to and from the South Eastern Freeway, along with a set of ideas to improve traffic management and amenity in the main street."
Community feedback is being sought on the following options for an alternative traffic route:
- a full interchange at River Road and a new link road connecting Echunga Road and River Road;
- a half interchange at River Road and a link road connecting Echunga Road and River Road; and
- a full interchange at Verdun with a link road connecting Echunga Road and River Road.
Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan said each of the options include an upgrade to the existing Mount Barker Interchange, comprising new traffic signals at the southern intersection and ramp capacity improvements, as well as a dedicated shared use path connecting Verdun and Hahndorf, providing the missing link for the Pioneer Women's Trail.
"Several ideas have also been identified to improve the main street of Hahndorf to address current and future amenity, safety, parking and traffic efficiency, with any improvements to be delivered in collaboration with Mount Barker District Council," Senator McLachlan said.
"Traffic data reveals approximately 11,000 vehicles use the main street per day, including 480 heavy vehicles.
"Two-thirds of weekday peak hour traffic are trips to or from the south of the town and 300 peak-hour road users have no purpose in the main street of Hahndorf."
A total of 32 crashes were reported along Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf, between 2015 and 2019, resulting in two serious injuries and 34 minor injuries. Of these crashes, 11 occurred in the main street section between Ambleside Road and Windsor Avenue.
Detailed planning for the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade Project will start later this year, with construction expected to begin in late 2023.
The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $200 million and the South Australian Government $50 million.
