Heysen Tunnels Refit and Safety Upgrade

Major works were completed in December 2024, with major testing of all safety systems and equipment completed in mid-February 2025.

Traffic restrictions have been lifted, and both tunnels are now open to traffic.

We thank all road users and the community for their patience and understanding while we delivered this important safety upgrade.

We recognise that there have been ongoing disruptions to traffic through and around the Heysen Tunnels. Some minor finishing works are continuing, during which time some temporary traffic restrictions will be required. We will make every effort to do these with as little disruption as possible.

The Australian and South Australian governments committed $150 million (80:20) to address tunnel elements that were at the end of their service life, improve safety and provide improved traffic management and incident response capabilities.

Works included:

• upgrading the tunnel lighting system to a new LED configuration;
• installing a new automated fire suppression system;
• upgrading the tunnel ventilation system;
• repairing the tunnel lining and installing monitoring equipment;
• upgrading the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) equipment, including thermal incident detection systems, new and replacement Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Lane Use Management Signs (LUMS), Variable Message Signage (VMS) and over height vehicle detection;
• upgrading the traffic management system to restrict access to the tunnels in the event of an emergency incident; and
• upgrading the emergency communication systems, including public address, radio rebroadcast, in-tunnel signage and help phones to improve safety and network reliability.

For further information, please contact the project team via:

Email: DIT.engagement@sa.gov.au
Phone: 1300 794 880