Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs said the Bald Hills Road Interchange is the number one infrastructure priority for the region and will significantly improve the productivity and safety performance of the local road network.
"The interchange will reduce traffic congestion through Littlehampton and Mount Barker meaning motorists will spend less time stuck in traffic and more time being productive at work or at home with their families," Briggs said.
Construction stage one
"The first stage of works will involve the construction of an off-ramp and an on-ramp to and from Adelaide to support the high volume of commuter traffic during peak periods.
"We are also building more for less and more quickly by not only delivering a second freeway interchange for Mount Barker but also upgrading the Old Princes Highway and Bald Hills Road intersection.
"These upgrades are part of the Australian Government's record $2 billion investment in world class infrastructure across South Australia to grow the economy, slash travel times and create thousands of new jobs," Briggs said.
State Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the interchange along the South Eastern Freeway at Bald Hills Road as well as the upgrade to the Old Princes Highway and Bald Hills Road junction, will be constructed over two years.
Improved safety and travel times
"These important works are going to make a noticeable improvement in safety and travel times for commuters as well as visitors and tourists travelling through the area.
"Early works including service relocation are expected to begin before the end of 2014 and major works starting at the Adelaide-bound ramp will be done during the 2014/2015 summer.
"The State Government is pleased to be working with the Australian Government and Council to deliver this project," Mullighan said.
The Australian Government has committed $16 million to build the new interchange, with the South Australian Government contributing $8 million and Mount Barker Council a further $3 million.
A concept design will be on display at the Mount Barker Library, 5 Dumas Street, Mount Barker from Thursday 24 July 2014–Friday 8 August 2014.
Project staff will be in attendance to answer questions on Thursday July 24 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.