North Coast Road upgrade begins

The long-awaited upgrade of North Coast Road, Point Turton, has finally begun (Monday, 30 January).

Yorke Peninsula Council received $1,141,000 through Special Local Roads Program’s Supplementary Local Road Funding for stage one of the upgrade.

The upgrade of the road, which is about 11 kilometres long, is a result of years of advocacy from Yorke Peninsula Council and local residents.

The total cost of stage one is estimated to be $1,711,500, with Council contributing $570,000 towards the project.

Stage one will include sealing the first 1.82km of road, earthworks, stormwater management including the installation of stormwater drainage infrastructure, road delineation and installation of traffic control devices.

“Council is excited to see works finally underway on this popular tourist route which connects to stunning beaches and our popular bush camping sites,” Mayor Darren Braund said.

“The stretch of road is also home to about 150 residential properties and in recent times, due to increased road use, tourists and residents have complained about the road’s deteriorating condition.

“This project will enhance road safety, improve the road standard, reduce the dust nuisance and impact on residents, improve access to a popular tourist destination, and improve the driving experience for locals and visitors.”

Following a Request for Tender process, Downer was appointed as the successful contractor to undertake stage one.

Works will commences onsite on Monday, 30 January, and are anticipated to be completed between April and May, weather permitting.

Future works are expected to be completed in stages, subject to future grant funding and Council endorsement.

Stage two is expected to include a similar seal length as stage one and stage three won’t include sealing but will create a better surface for the remainder of the road.