A $14.6 million Penola Northern Bypass has been officially opened today, with promises of reduced heavy traffic through the township, reduced travel time and a boost to the state's economy.
The Northern Bypass construction was jointly funded with the federal government contributing $11.7m and the South Australian government providing the remaining $2.9m. Wattle Range Council also contributed, funding the property acquisition requirements for the bypass.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the purpose of the Penola Bypass was to significantly reduce heavy vehicle traffic volumes through the Penola Township, reducing conflict between heavy vehicles, pedestrians and local traffic within Penola.
"Today marks the completion of a project that has been 50 years or more in the making," he said.
"The completion of this project highlights the importance of being able to work with a cooperative state government that understands that the regions matter."
Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the completed Penola Northern Bypass was a continuation of the Penola Southern Bypass and catered for commercial vehicles travelling on the Robe to Clay Wells Road and the Riddoch Highway.
"The Penola Northern Bypass will improve freight efficiencies supporting the Limestone Coast's highly productive economy," he said.
"It supported around 47 full time equivalent jobs and will deliver clear benefits to all road users in the region by reducing travel times and helping people reach their destinations sooner and safer.
"This important project forms part of the federal government's record $100 billion infrastructure plan, which will be essential in boosting job growth and helping the economy bounce back in the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic."
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Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll said the Penola Bypass was a critical piece of infrastructure for the Limestone Coast.
"The SA government understands how important regional roads and infrastructure are for the future prosperity of our state," he said.
"We are backing our regions and are delivering a host of measures to improve infrastructure such as the Penola Bypass to help grow regional economies and support regional jobs."
State Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said it was great to see this bypass finished - and ahead of time.
"This is a fantastic day for our community," he said.
"With the Northern and the Southern section of the bypass now completed, the so-called "road to nowhere" is no more.
"Vehicles will now have the option to bypass the township, reducing the number of heavy vehicles passing through Penola."
"This will improve safety for local residents and businesses and enable them to concentrate on growing their town as an important tourism and commercial destination."
The Penola Bypass will have a posted speed of 60km/h to enable driver familiarisation, and to enable remaining works to continue safely, with full completion expected mid-2020, weather permitting.
The final posted speed limit of 100km/h is expected to be in place by the end of April, weather permitting.
Other speed limits may apply in the immediate vicinity of works, and road users are asked to use extra caution when workers are on site, follow the direction of traffic management and observe traffic signage and speed limits when travelling through the area.
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