REGIONAL roads across SA are expected to benefit from about $17.5 million in funding under a federal government program.
There are 18 projects designated across the Grey and Barker electorates to receive allocations under round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program and round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and Barker MP Tony Pasin said the timing could not be better
"This funding will allow communities to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy," Mr Ramsey said.
There are 10 projects receiving more than $9.5m across Grey, including $2.5m for widening and strengthening of two bridges near Marrabel, replacing Butler's Bridge south of Port Pirie, the Andrews Road bridge and Wasleys Bridge which will receive $2.5m to widen and strengthen the existing structures.
Other road upgrades include shoulder sealing and hazard reduction on Petersburg Road in the Mid North near Peterborough, Gardner Street and Fowler Terrace in Price, College Road near Roseworthy, Oates, Hatcher and Wilkinson Roads near Lewiston, the construction of a round-about near Two Wells, the Petersburg Road upgrade in the Mid North near Peterborough and one new and three upgrades to rest areas on Stuart Highway.
"Every single local job we support in Grey by investing in infrastructure projects means one less worry for another Australian and their family, reliable work on the books for local construction companies and more cash flowing through local businesses and communities doing it tough," he said.
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In Barker, there are eight projects to share almost $8m, across the Barossa, Riverland and South East.
"By improving our road network this funding will also help keep people safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities," Mr Pasin said.
The bridge funding includes an upgrade of the Gerald Roberts Road Bridge across Greenock Creek, replacement of the Victoria Parade Bridge at Tatiara and upgrade of the Stockwell Road Bridge in the Barossa to increase the level of service to PBS level 3A freight vehicles.
There is also funds towards a heavy vehicle detour at Kapunda, upgrading a number of key intersections in the Loxton-Waikerie local government association, constructing and sealing the Taplan Road and upgrades to road sections in Wattle Range LGA.
Nationally, the $290 million of federal government funding will support 350 projects across the nation.
"Already, more than 500 projects funded through the BRP and HVSPP across the country have either been completed or are well underway and I look forward to getting shovels in the ground on these next projects." Mr Pasin said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said these latest rounds would support 350 projects across the nation.
- Details: infrastructure.gov.au/bridges and infrastructure.gov.au/hvspp
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