Coat of arms

SENATOR DAVID FAWCETT
Deputy Government Whip in the Senate

Senator for South Australia

Joint Media Release
20 February 2017

Safety first as Main North Road upgrade opens

  • Road safety improved at notorious South Australian black spot, the site of 57 crashes from 2008 to 2013
  • Upgrade fully funded by the Coalition Government with $1.36 million Black Spot funding

The Australian Government has fixed a notorious road black spot at Blakeview in South Australia, funding a $1.36 million upgrade through its Black Spot Programme.

Project works included upgrading the existing median openings, adding new u-turn slots with deceleration lanes and extending the right turn lane into Craigmore Road, lighting relocation and additional turning point installation.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the upgrade to Main North Road would vastly improve road safety on a section of road that has seen 57 crashes in the five years to 2013.

“One accident at an intersection each year is one too many, but to have almost 60 over five years – virtually one a month – is unacceptable. I am delighted to see this upgrade open and I know the benefits of the project will be welcomed by all road users.”

Senator for South Australia David Fawcett opened the upgrade today, joining local residents and community representatives to mark the occasion.

“Improving road safety for local communities is a major priority for the Australian Government,” Senator Fawcett said.

“The Black Spot Programme is part of our commitment to reduce crashes on Australian roads, and I am pleased that funding has been awarded to project works in northern Adelaide.

“These upgrades reduce the chance of a rear-end accident, support current and anticipated traffic volumes due to the region’s ongoing growth, and improve local amenity by providing access to a safe crossing for residents.”

The $1.36 million Main North Road project was fully funded by the Australian Government, which will invest $500 million in upgrading black spots across the nation between 2014-15 to 2018-19.

Works started in November 2016 and were completed in January 2017. For more information on the Black Spot Programme, or to make a nomination, visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots/index.aspx

Ends.