SEALING of the first 50 kilometres of the Strzelecki Track is beginning this week.
The $10-million investment by the state government will not only improve freight productivity and increase road safety, it is also creating jobs and supporting local business.
T&J Constructions is undertaking the work, which will create 31 jobs over the life of the project.
The SA company has successfully delivered a number of projects within the state on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, including upgrades to Innamincka Airstrip and Dillions Highway.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the upgrade would unlock huge economic potential for the state.
"The 472km Strzelecki Track is one of the most heavily used unsealed roads in the northern region and provides a vital freight link between SA and Qld," he said.
"It's also an important supply link for major oil and gas facilities located near Moomba in the Cooper Basin, and it's an essential transport corridor for outback communities, tourists and pastoralists.
"We've heard from industry how dangerous and frustrating it can be for truck drivers using the Strzelecki Track, especially following wet weather and flooding.
"We saw just last week the damage caused by the recent rain when the road surface was literally washed away.
"The state government, together with the Commonwealth, is investing more than $1.1 billion in our regional roads and infrastructure to deliver safer, smoother journeys and to support and create jobs."
Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said not only would sealing the track benefit a large part of his electorate, but would benefit the whole state through "improved productivity and safety for the important petroleum, cattle and tourism industries".
Sealing works on the Strzelecki Track are expected to be completed early next year 2021.
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