The sealing of the 472-kilometre Strzelecki Track is progressing well, with the first 50km of works now open to traffic, and additional funding committed in the federal budget towards the remaining sections.
Additional pavement widening and shoulder sealing of the previously-sealed 24km section now means 74km of sealed road is now open to traffic to improve travel reliability and efficiency.
The state government funded $10 million to seal Stage 1, the first 50 kilometres of the Strzelecki Track, immediately north of Lyndhurst.
Pavement rehabilitation works on Stage 1 were completed by T&J Constructions, with sealing works completed by Downer EDI.
State 2 sealing, a $125m job, is being jointly funded by the federal and state government, on a 80:20 basis.
The 2020-21 federal budget allocated an additional $64 million to completely seal the full length of the track, with the works supporting about 220 jobs.
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State infrastructure and transport minister Corey Wingard, said the additional commitment by the federal government will help to support regional communities in northern SA.
"The Strzelecki Track is a vital supply link for major oil and gas facilities located near Moomba and an essential transport corridor for outback communities, tourism and pastoralists," Minister Wingard said.
"Unsealed roads contribute to higher direct freight costs, increased supply chain costs and the likelihood of accidents.
"The Morrison and Marshall Governments are investing in our regional roads and infrastructure to deliver safer, smoother journeys and to support and create jobs."
Santos chief executive officer and managing director Kevin Gallagher said the funding commitments from the state and federal governments will encourage more development in rural SA.
"Each year hundreds of trucks with equipment and supplies for the Santos operated Moomba Gas Plant and surrounding gas fields are sent via the Strzelecki Track," he said.
"The conditions of the track can vary widely causing delays and costly maintenance for the operators of the vehicles and damage to the equipment they carry.
"The sealing of the track will ensure one of Australia's great inland roadways is safer to travel for freight and logistics, tourists and pastoralists. This will increase productivity and trade and bring benefits to all users and communities in the region."
Pre-construction activities for the next two packages of works, a 10km section south of Innamincka and a 93km section south of Moomba to the Strzelecki Creek crossing are underway.
Weather permitting, on ground construction is expected to commence next month.
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