Major road safety works have begun on Piggott Range Road where it intersects with Easton Road near Clarendon.
The works encompass 700 metres of Piggott Range Road which have experienced a history of crashes, including fatalities, either side of Easton Road.
The $1.55 million upgrade has been 100 per cent funded through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, having been nominated by the City of Onkaparinga in response to the high levels of road trauma that have occurred at this location.
The project includes realignment of the road through a series of curves either side of the intersection, a protected turning lane for vehicles turning right from Piggott Rage Road into Easton Road and wider sealed shoulders along the road.
Preparation for the works included a first round of tree removals. The Native Vegetation Council approved removal of some trees protected under the Native Vegetation Act.
“While removing trees is always a last resort, in this case it’s in the interest of saving lives,” said Morgan Ellingham, Manager Assets and Technical Services.
“With careful planning and redesign we have minimised the number of trees we’ve had to remove.”
The council will plant more trees to replace those removed. This will take place at two existing offset planting sites at Christie Creek and Glenloth Reserve – sites approved by the Native Vegetation Council. The council also plans to undertake additional planting and landscaping as part of the road construction works.
The upgrade works are expected to continue until late October. The work zone will be managed to minimise traffic disruption and ensure the safety of workers.
This upgrade is among a range of road safety projects supported by the council, including the 21 intersections project at McLaren Vale, a $4.98 million project funded by the Australian and state governments.
In 2024–25, the council will undertake a $2.18 million upgrade of the roundabout at the intersection of Aldinga Beach and How Roads at Aldinga Beach. The project includes a $1.42 million grant from the Australian government.
Measures to improve safety for pedestrians and local traffic will also occur, including a traffic calming project on Mount Malvern Road at Chandlers Hill, the installation of a pedestrian refuge on Hub Drive at Aberfoyle Park, and the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing on Beach Road at Christies Beach.
“The council also has a role in advocating for funding for improved road infrastructure from the Australian and South Australian governments,” said Morgan.
“We will continue our efforts to advocate for better traffic flows from the Southern Expressway to Main South and Victor Harbor Roads. Current bottlenecks impact travel time and contribute to minor accidents.
“Our advocacy and our program upgrades to roads, crossings and intersections will help reduce injury and save lives.”
So far this year, there have been 51 fatalities on South Australia’s roads and more than 500 people who have experienced serious injuries.
According to Morgan, better road infrastructure is critical for keeping people safe on the roads – but so is the behaviour of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
“The human factor is very real,” he said.
“We strongly encourage residents and visitors in Onkaparinga to heed warnings about fatigue, seatbelts, inattention, child restraints, and in particular drink and drug driving.
“It’s not just your safety you risk, but the safety of others.”