The RAA has released a state election platform calling for major road and transport upgrades to support South Australia’s rising population, with key projects recommended for the Adelaide Hills and South Coast.
The motoring organisation says the state will reach two million residents within five years, and infrastructure must keep pace with housing growth.
Locally, the RAA is urging:
• A third lane on the South Eastern Freeway between Crafers and Verdun
• Full funding to progress the Adelaide Hills Freight Bypass
• Expansion of on-demand bus services in outer suburbs and regional centres
• A third lane on Main South Road between the Southern Expressway and Onkaparinga River
Chief executive Nick Reade said the blueprint was designed to avoid future congestion across the state.
“That growth is great for our economy, great for jobs and great for our state – but it has to be supported by investment in infrastructure and services,” Nick Reade said.
“If we don’t make that investment simultaneously, we run the risk of ending up with gridlock and compromising our state’s liveability which has always been one of best things about South Australia.
“We believe we can have growth without gridlock – that’s the blueprint we’ve set out in our election platform.”
Mr Reade acknowledged the state government’s ongoing infrastructure program but said more needs to be in the pipeline.
“While we fully support the Torrens to Darlington project… there are many other projects we desperately need to support growth around the state,” he said.
“We need to think beyond today and create a pipeline of projects ready to roll.”
The RAA’s full election platform includes more than 30 road and transport initiatives including rail corridor expansions and regional highway duplication.
