Frequently Asked Questions

As committed in late 2023, we are upgrading the following junctions on River Road to improve safety and access for all users:

• Mount Barker Road with River Road; and
• Strathalbyn Road with River Road.

Minor improvements are also being made at the junctions of River Road with Kangaroo Reef, Sawmill Gully and Fairview roads.

Early works are planned to start in early 2025, followed by main works, which are expected to be completed in late 2025.

We considered several design options for the improvement of the junctions.

The proposed designs best achieve the requirements for safe turn paths for all vehicles (including heavy vehicles), have the least impact on local businesses and residents, and deliver the best overall safety improvements for all road users.

Several options have been considered for this location, including a new roundabout. The roundabout option was not progressed due to considerable land acquisition requirements and vegetation impacts.

Based on the concept designs, it is anticipated that there will be some impact to existing vegetation and trees located at the junctions of Strathalbyn Road with River Road and Mount Barker Road with River Road. As the designs progress, we will provide further details about any vegetation impacts.

Fauna considerations form part of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s standard Environment and Heritage Impact Assessment processes. We have undertaken an ecological assessment to assist with mitigating impacts through design development.

We understand the ecological importance of roadside vegetation and will continue to minimise potential impacts to vegetation and fauna in the next stage of design.

Yes, some land acquisition is required for the River Road and Mount Barker Road junction improvements. We have worked to minimise these impacts as part of the design process. We have communicated directly with property owners whose land needs to be acquired.

Car parking will not be allowed on River Road near the Mount Barker Road and River Road junction. The project will be installing a footpath on the western side of River Road.

The new bus bays on Mount Barker Road will be partially indented. This will allow traffic to safely pass a stopped bus. This is a standard South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA) bus stop arrangement.

We will be undertaking some pedestrian access improvements to the Heysen Trail near the Strathalbyn Road and River Road junction.

The project does not include an upgrade of the Pioneer Women’s Trail, however, there is a provision for the future trail upgrades in the current Mount Barker Road and River Road junction design.

The current design of the Mount Barker Road and River Road junction upgrade includes provision to accommodate future trail upgrades by allowing space in the design.

Yes, this track will be kept as a walking track.

To keep everyone safe, there will be temporary changes to traffic conditions. Please follow traffic management directions while works are in progress. Speed and lane restrictions will be required while work is underway.

Pedestrian and cyclist detours will be in place while work is undertaken. Signs will be in place to show you where to go.

During the work, there may be some noise from time to time, but we'll do our best to keep it to a minimum. You might also notice some odours, which is normal during asphalt work.

Some property access may be temporarily impacted during the work, but we will do our best to maintain access to residences and businesses in the area. The project team will contact affected property owners, residents and businesses in advance.