Critical works underway on the Strzelecki Track

Thursday 9 July 2026

Major works are underway from Art Baker Lookout to Mount Hopeless, with drainage improvements, pavement rehabilitation and bituminous sealing set to improve network reliability year-round.

The start of these works, which are being delivered by South Australian-based Ceduna Bulk Hauliers & Earthmoving, marks the next milestone for the $215 million Strzelecki Track Upgrade and Sealing Project. This project will create a continuous sealed road between Lyndhurst and Innamincka in the far north-east of South Australia.

Improving this section of the track will enable the road to remain open or be opened sooner after inclement weather and flood events, enhancing road safety and connecting regional communities with more resilient infrastructure.

The track, which is a vital supply line for major oil and gas facilities in the Cooper Basin and a key freight, pastoral and tourism corridor, was most recently closed in late June  due to a significant rain eventsd ,and several creeks flowing across the track.

Between September 2020 to July 2026, there have been 64 weather events which have impacted the track resulting in closures to all traffic for 229 days and restrictions in place for a further 585 days.

Currently, some sections of the track east of Moomba remain impassable due to flooding, with other sections open but with restrictions.

Works are being undertaken at multiple locations concurrently, with crews moving progressively along the road between Art Baker Lookout rest area and Mount Hopeless. On average 50 vehicles travel through this area each day, with approximately half of these commercial or heavy vehicles

These works follow the completion in September 2025 of improvements along the 40-kilometre section of track, from Dillon’s Highway to the Della Road junction, including pavement stabilisation, sealing and drainage upgrades. Works are currently progressing on upgrades to floodways along the 27-kilometre section from Dog Fence to Yeralina Creek.

The Australian and South Australian governments have jointly funded $205 million (80:20) for the Strzelecki Track Upgrade and Sealing Project, with an additional $10 million investment from the South Australian Government.

This project is supporting approximately 225 full-time equivalent jobs over the construction period. Close to 173,000 construction hours have been completed, with more than 46,201   hours delivered by Aboriginal people.

To safely allow these latest works to be undertaken, speed and lane restrictions will be in place during construction. Road users are encouraged to check local weather conditions, road warnings and closures before travelling and drive to conditions, as some sections of the track can be impassable due to floodwaters.

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Jon Whelan

Sealing this next section of the Strzelecki Track is another major step toward a safer, more reliable outback road network.

We are progressing these improvements in tricky conditions, as the track continues to dry out from severe flooding at a number of locations following significant weather events in recent months.

A sealed, more dependable outback road corridor means fewer disruptions to travel and the transport of essential supplies and services, resulting in more investment, tourism and regional economic growth.

Under this important project, we have so far sealed 214 kilometres of the 472-kilometre Strzelecki Track, reducing crash risk and creating more reliable journeys for all road users who depend on this vital transport link.