Construction begins on $260m Augusta Highway Duplication in SA

The $260 million Augusta Highway Duplication project in South Australia has officially commence major construction activities following the appointment of a contractor to undertake the works last month. 

The project will deliver additional lanes on the Augusta Highway – starting just north of the new Copper Coast Overpass to Lochiel. 

“The Augusta Highway duplication project is an investment in regional South Australia that will drive this region into the future. 

“Once completed, the duplicated highway will ensure faster, safer travel for families and freight, while boosting economic growth and supporting around 330 jobs during construction,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

This vital road project is part of the South Australian Government’s $17.9 billion infrastructure spend delivered across the State to improve safety as well as support hundreds of local jobs. 

“We’re building what matters for South Australians and that includes investing heavily in our regional roads. 

“South Australia has the fastest growing economy in the country and our unemployment rate is at its lowest level ever; it is projects like this one helping get people into jobs,” Premier Steven Marshall said. 

This multi-million-dollar project will deliver a new two-lane carriageway to duplicate the existing highway together with intersection / junction treatments between the intersections of Port Wakefield Highway, Copper Coast Highway and Augusta Highway and the township of Lochiel. 

“The project will result in the Augusta Highway corridor being fully duplicated from Adelaide through to Lochiel. 

“We know this is a popular route for holidaymakers and travellers heading out to and from the north of the state, which can lead to high traffic volumes on holidays such as long weekends. 

“That’s why we’re getting on with delivering this project, which will provide dual, two-lane carriageways along 28 kilometres of the Augusta Highway, from the new, now operational Copper Coast Overpass to Lochiel, along with appropriate intersection and junction treatments along this section,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said. 

Works will initially begin just north of the new Copper Coast Overpass then will progressively move along the route. 

In addition to the duplication works between Port Wakefield and Lochiel, planning for future duplication of Augusta Highway between Port Pirie and Crystal Brook is also progressing and this will help provide information for future funding discussions between the Australian and South Australian Governments. 

“Around 85 per cent of the Grey electorate’s population use this road regularly and with traffic loads increasing all the time they are eager for this work to commence. 

“The Morrison Government is spending $110 billion Australia-wide, dragging the nation’s transport network into the twenty-first century. 

“Already in Grey we have committed to spending more than a billion dollars and there will be more to come. Having the like-minded Marshall Government in place to partner with us has made an enormous difference. Together we are getting on with the job,” Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsay said. 

The contract to undertake construction was awarded to the Port Wakefield to Port Augusta (PW2PA) Alliance, which is comprised of CPB Contractors, Aurecon and GHD in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. 

The project is due to be completed in 2024. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Premier of South Australia – Media Releases; Roads & Infrastructure Australia