Residents of McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula, as well as visitors to the region, will soon enjoy quicker, safer journeys to and from Adelaide following the start of work on replacing the existing T-intersection between Victor Harbor and Main Roads with a new overpass.
Representing Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, Kingston MP Amanda Rishworth today joined South Australian Transport Minister Patrick Conlon onsite to turn the first sod of the multimillion dollar project which will elevate Main Road over Victor Harbor Road.
“Once completed in 2013, the new overpass will significantly improve safety for the almost 28,000 motorists and truck drivers who pass through this junction each day,” said Ms Rishworth.
“The overpass will be particularly beneficial for regular users of Main Road as it will make it easier for them to get on and off Victor Harbor Road.
“Importantly, this project is just one of many now occurring around the State as a direct result of the Federal Labor Government’s unprecedented $2.4 billion investment in its road, rail and public transport infrastructure.”
Construction of the new overpass is being jointly funded by the Federal Labor ($14.4 million) and State Labor ($3.6 million) governments.  At the peak of construction there will be some 124 workers on site.
Mr Conlon said the final design of the overpass was settled following extensive consultations with the local community and will not only cut travel times but also save lives at what is currently one of the State’s most notorious intersections.
“Between 2002 and 2009, over 38 crashes occurred at this intersection, including one which resulted in multiple fatalities,” said Mr Conlon.
“This is unacceptable, and in partnership with the Federal Labor Government we are going to fix it once and for all.”