Published on 08 November 2023
New McLaren Vale road safety plans revealed
The City of Onkaparinga is seeking the community’s feedback on proposed upgrades at two key McLaren Vale intersections—the latest in a $4.2 million project to improve road safety at 21 intersections in the region.
One proposed upgrade involves the installation of ‘teardrop’ islands on side-road approaches at the intersection of Main Road, Johnston Road, and McMurtrie Road (near the Salopian Inn).
This upgrade would disrupt the view through the intersection to increase drivers’ attention to its presence. The council is also working with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) to investigate a speed reduction from 80km/hr to 60km/hr on McMurtrie Road for the first 200 metres to increase safety for pedestrians.
The other proposed upgrade is for a ‘compact roundabout’ at the junction of Chalk Hill Road, Olivers Road, and Field Street. Roundabouts are chosen for their safety benefits and simplifying decision-making for drivers. This 'compact roundabout'—the first of its kind in South Australia—would use raised safety platforms to slow down vehicles, reducing costs and land acquisition.
Head to onkaparingacity.com/yoursay to see the concept plans and provide your feedback by Monday 20 November.
“We are pleased to be working with the City of Onkaparinga to deliver our election commitment to make the roads in McLaren Vale safer for all road users traveling in and around this popular wine region,” said South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis.
“So far, safety improvements have been implemented at 14 intersections in the region and now we’re moving on to two of the bigger intersection safety enhancements in the heart of McLaren Vale.
“It’s important that we get these designs right to help ensure that everyone who visits or lives in this beautiful region gets where they’re going safely, so I encourage local community members to provide their feedback.”
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the proposed intersection upgrades would help save lives.
“These two upgrades are the latest in a major project we’ve undertaken with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) to improve road safety in McLaren Vale, which was sparked by two tragic fatal crashes,” she said.
“In response, council undertook a safety audit in 2021, and enhanced warning signage has already been installed at 14 intersections.
“The next planned upgrades tackle two intersections with a higher level of crash trauma, requiring more significant upgrades.
“We’re grateful for the state government’s $4.2 million in funding—an election commitment from Member for Mawson, Leon Bignell—and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with DIT to complete the remaining seven intersection upgrades by June 2025.”
The next stage of community engagement will be on proposed treatments—Rural Junction Active Warning Signage (RJAWS)—for the final five intersections.
Both DIT and City of Onkaparinga have individual and shared responsibility for roads in the area, with DIT responsible for roads such as Main and Aldinga Roads, while council is responsible for adjoining local roads.