Safer and faster journeys along the Augusta Highway

Saturday, 8 March 2025

Long weekend commuters to and from the state’s north will have a smoother, safer drive with traffic now flowing on dual lanes in both directions of a 29 kilometre stretch between Port Wakefield and Lochiel, marking the completion of major works on the Augusta Highway Duplication Project.

The Australian and South Australian governments have jointly committed $185 million to the Augusta Highway Duplication project, with the Australian Government committing $148 million.

Motorists can now travel towards Lochiel along the two new northbound lanes, with existing lanes reverting to southbound-only traffic towards Port Wakefield.

On average, more than 3,600 vehicles travel on this section of highway each day with 1,100 of them being heavy vehicles however, on public holidays and long weekends, that figure nearly doubles.

During construction, more than one million tonnes of pavement material and almost 40,000 tonnes of asphalt were laid. More than 80 stormwater crossings, 13 culverts, 12 new street lights and nine kilometres of safety barrier were also installed.

The new lanes are open, but final works along the highway and at intersections will require temporary speed limits. Northbound traffic will be restricted to 60km/h for the first week, increasing to 80km/h the following week, while the southbound carriageway will remain at 80km/h.

Signage will guide motorists through the changes, including new right-hand turns onto the highway. The speed limit will return to 110km/h by late March 2025, just in time for the Easter holidays.

The Augusta Highway Duplication project has supported more than 300 jobs.

Upon project completion, this section of the highway will reduce travel time and congestion while boosting freight productivity and road safety for all motorists.