Safety on the Dukes Highway is to be further improved following the start of construction on four new rest areas and the upgrade of three existing rest areas, part of a $6.6 million project to upgrade conditions on the Dukes Highway.

The Tolmer Group of Companies has won the $2.6 million contract to undertake the construction works between Tailem Bend and the Victorian border.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said the works form part of the wider $80 million Dukes Highway upgrade, funded by the Rudd Labor Government under the Nation Building Program.

“Our primary goal under these works is to improve the safety and efficiency of this important transport corridor,” Mr Albanese said.

“These works will assist in addressing safety issues on the Dukes Highway by providing more opportunities for drivers to stop and rest up then have a safe onward journey.”

This project follows the completion of construction in December 2009 on four overtaking lane extensions on the Dukes Highway and the upgrade of one rest area.

South Australian Minister for Transport Patrick Conlon said fatigue is a significant issue for all drivers, particularly long haul drivers who spend hours at the wheel on our nation’s road network.

“Estimates indicate that fatigue is the main contributing factor in around 25 percent of road crashes that result in serious injury or fatality,” Mr Conlon said.

“Providing new and improved rest areas is one of the ways to address driver fatigue.”

The works are due to be completed by June 2010. A list of works and rest areas are below: