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$80m committed for Dukes Hwy upgrade

Posted on April 27, 2009, 11:11am and updated on April 27, 2009 at 8:54 pm

The Federal Government’s $26.4b “nation building” investment in Australia’s road and rail infrastructure, including $80m for the Dukes Highway, will proceed after gaining approval from all states and territories.

Tatiara Road Safety Group chairman Peter Cook has welcomed progress in securing the six-year spending program for the Dukes Highway and said he hoped it would allow for surface upgrades to address tracking marks from semitrailers and prevent aquaplaning.

He said recent upgrades to widen the highway had been beneficial, but the original section of road had sunk, leading to flooding by trapped water during wet periods, creating a hazard.

“That was okay when we had a drought, but it looks like we haven’t got a drought now,” he said.

“When it rains there could be a lot of trouble with aquaplaning on the road where water is held on the highway.”

Mr Cook said the highway was otherwise in excellent, safe condition and nothing could be done to prevent the main threats, which resulted from irresponsible drivers.

“When you look at the highway overall they have done an excellent job — accidents are brought about by drivers,” he said.

“How do you build a highway safe for a person to drive on while they are asleep at the wheel, so intoxicated they can’t stand up or when drugs come into it?

“The highway is very good, but some drivers are very bad and irresponsible, you’re not going to overcome that no matter how good it is.”

However, he said it was good to see work being done to make the roads as safe as possible.

Mr Cook said he was particularly excited about the recent announcement railway crossing lights would be installed at Keith, after years of campaigning.

“All the traffic on Bunker Road to the grain facility has been increasing and there have been three very near misses I have heard about,” he said.

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