A major milestone has been reached in the $18.3 million Southern Ports Highway Project, with the completion of critical road safety upgrades between Robe and Clay Wells Road, Bray.
This 15-kilometre section of the busy tourist and freight route has been enhanced with shoulder widening, vegetation management, pavement rehabilitation and resealing, all of which will deliver smoother journeys in the southeast.
Safety barriers have also been installed along this section of the highway, with Audio Tactile Line Marking to be added in the coming months, providing extra protection for all road users.
These safety upgrades, which supported 32 full-time-equivalent jobs during construction, reduce the likelihood of 'run-off-road' crashes and the risk of a serious or fatal collision.
Approximately 1,000 vehicles, including 180 heavy vehicles, travel between Robe and Bray on the Southern Ports Highway each day.
The road corridor links popular holiday spots on the Limestone Coast and is a primary route for agricultural transport.
Additionally, further road safety improvements are progressing on the 15-kilometre section between Beachport and the Southend Access Road turn-off.
These works include reconstruction of the road surface, which is being undertaken in stages by Wattle Range Council on behalf of the South Australian Government.
The Southern Ports Highway Project is part of a joint $168 million investment in South Australian roads by the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments under the national Road Safety Program.
The project follows the completion in June 2025 of a new dedicated left-turn lane for vehicles turning off Southern Ports Highway into Southend Access Road, funded under the South Australian Government's $10 million Regional Road Safety Infrastructure Package.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
"We are proud to be working with the South Australian Government to deliver these critical works that will reduce commute times and, most importantly, make our roads safer for all drivers.
"The Limestone Coast attracts thousands of tourists to the region each year, so keeping the roads up to standard for locals and visitors is a priority."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs MP:
"This project is an investment in the long-term reliability of our regional road network linking some of our most popular holiday spots.
"The completion of works on this section of Southern Ports Highway marks a major milestone in the delivery of safer, smoother journeys along our beautiful Limestone Coast.
"Hundreds of thousands of people travel along this key tourist and freight corridor every year, and these upgrades significantly boost road safety between Robe and Bray, reducing crash risk while driving regional economic growth."
Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia Don Farrell:
"We know drivers are frustrated with the conditions of the Southern Ports Highway, and this is why our government is investing in works that will help reduce the risk of serious injuries.
"Having spent many easters in Robe with my family, I am very familiar with these roads and the importance of critical infrastructure such as the Southern Ports Highway
"Whether you're transporting freight, commuting to work or exploring the Limestone Coast, all South Australians deserve to be safe on roads."
Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia Marielle Smith:
"The Limestone Coast is one of our state's most magnificent regions. Its spectacular beaches, vibrant cafes, and relaxed lifestyle make it a destination of choice for South Australian holidaymakers.
"For too long, the Southern Ports Highway has not been fit for purpose. These major road safety upgrades on the Southern Ports Highway will support tourism, boost the economy of our state's south-east, and prioritise safety for South Australian drivers."
