Remote SA rest areas boost to curb driver fatigue

Friday 23 October 2026

Major works are complete on the construction of a new heavy vehicle rest stop along Olympic Dam Highway at Pimba and the upgrade of an existing rest area along Stuart Highway at Arcoona.

Equally funded by the Australian and South Australian governments under the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Initiative, these works ensure safer journeys for the approximately 950 vehicles, including 330 heavy vehicles, that collectively travel past these sites every day.

The $4.25 million Stuart Highway Rest Areas project delivers more opportunities for road users to safely pull over and manage fatigue, boosting road safety and freight productivity.

The upgrades supported 15 local jobs during construction.

Extending approximately 2,700 kilometres between Port Augusta and Darwin, the Stuart Highway is a key transport, agriculture, mining and tourism corridor linking South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Arcoona rest stop near Island Lagoon Lookout has been enhanced with access improvements, a sealed parking area and new amenities including a new shelter with a picnic table and seating.

The new rest area at Pimba, adjacent to Spud’s Roadhouse, provides another place for drivers to safely stop, and includes new pavement and improved drainage.

Both rest areas can accommodate four triple road trains at a time. Separate parking will also be available for light vehicles to provide the opportunity to stop and rest.

From 2020 to 2024, there were 51 reported crashes on Stuart Highway between Tarcoola Road, Glendambo, and Eyre Highway, Port Augusta. Tragically, these crashes resulted in four lives lost and eight serious injuries.