Funding for Augusta Highway dual lanes released

Federal Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey has welcomed the release of $206,702,000 in Australian Government funding to proceed the Princes Highway-Augusta Highway Duplication Stages 1 & 2 Projects.

“This news is confirmation of the Federal Government’s committment to providing a dual lane highway to meet the ever expanding traffic loads”, Mr Ramsey said.

“ I am absolutely stoked this project is going ahead. It is one I have been calling for, for some time.

The State contribution will push the total investment pool to almost a quarter of a billion dollars and will complete the duplication through to Lochiel. “

“ Excitingly, it also includes an allocation to undertake advance planning for the duplication of the section between Crystal Brook and Port Pirie, which will be very welcome news to local residents, who sometimes use this section of road for multilple trips per day”, he said. It is the busiest section of road between Pt Wakefield and Pt Augusta and is of huge significance in terms of safety for local residents, travellers and the transport industry.”

Mr Ramsey acknowledged the support of local member for Stuart, Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellakan, in getting recognition of the local traffic conditions between Pt Pirie and Crystal Brook, to advance this important project.. “We have worked collaboratively to bring our respective governments together to advance this proposal”, he said.

Deputy Premier and Member for Stuart welcomes the announcement of joint federal-state funding to plan and design the upgrade of the section of Highway 1 between Port Pirie and Crystal Brook.

“The state and federal Liberal governments are delivering on their shared intention to install dual lanes from Port Wakefield to Port Augusta,” said Deputy Premier van Holst Pellekaan.

“With work having already commenced on the two Port Wakefield to Lochiel sections, it makes sense to focus next on Port Pirie to Crystal Brook which is so important for local people.”