Penola Northern Bypass Project

Project Overview

The Penola Northern Bypass forms part of a commitment to deliver a complete bypass of the Penola Township, which is a joint initiative of the Australian and South Australian Governments and the Wattle Range Council.

This $14.6 million project has been jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $11.7 million and the South Australian Government providing the remaining $2.9 million. The Wattle Range Council also contributed, funding the property acquisition requirements for the bypass.

It will be a continuation of the Penola Southern Bypass, from Robe Road to the Riddoch Highway, just north of the Penola Township.

The project includes:

• Construction of a new 2.2 kilometre undivided, sealed rural arterial road with sealed shoulders.
• Construction of a T-junction at the Riddoch Highway (Church Street) where the new Northern Bypass will connect to the Highway to the north of the Penola township.
• Upgrade of the junction at the Penola Bypass and the Robe to Clay Wells Road (where the Northern Bypass and Southern Bypass meet) to a staggered T-junction.
• Realignment of the Riddoch Highway (Church Street) T-junction with the existing Southern Bypass to the south of the Penola township to make the Bypass the through road.
• Road LED lighting at the three junctions and drainage infrastructure.

The Penola Bypass aims to significantly reduce heavy vehicle traffic volumes through the Penola township, reduce conflict between heavy vehicles, pedestrians and local traffic within Penola and reduce travel time and create improved access for heavy vehicles.

The bypass will cater for commercial vehicles travelling on the Robe to Clay Wells Road and the Riddoch Highway generated from timber plantations in the area, and improve freight efficiencies supporting the Limestone Coast region’s highly productive economy.

Project Timing

• Construction of the Penola Southern Bypass, Stage 1 of the Penola Bypass, was completed on 10 April 2015.
• The Penola Northern Bypass was announced as part of the 2018-2019 State Budget.
• The contract for construction of the Penola Northern Bypass was awarded in the October 2019.
• Main works commenced in November 2019.
• The bypass was opened to traffic in April 2020, with main works expected to be complete by the end of June 2020.

Latest News

The $14.6 million Penola Northern Bypass was opened to traffic on 8 April, delivering significantly reduced heavy vehicle traffic through the Penola township, reduced travel time and a boost to South Australia's economy.

The Penola Bypass currently has a posted speed of 60km/h to enable driver familiarisation, and to enable remaining works to continue safely, with full completion expected mid-year, weather permitting.

The final posted speed limit of 100km/h is expected to be in place by the end of April, weather permitting.

Other speed limits may apply in the immediate vicinity of works, and road users are asked to use extra caution when workers are on site, follow the direction of traffic management and observe traffic signage and speed limits when travelling through the area.

COVID-19 Response

To help safeguard the DIT project team and the community, we have implemented measures to manage the risks of, and our response to, contracting COVID-19.

These include but are not limited to, increased personal hygiene practices and limiting face-to-face contact.

The project team will provide construction updates and work notifications via social media, letterbox drops, emails (dit.communityrelations@sa.gov.au) and the Project website. We are also available to speak via telephone (1300 794 880).

We encourage the community to register for email updates.

There will be no planned community events or information sessions until further notice.