Works set to get underway

STAGE Two of the Southern Ports Highway reconstruction will begin after the October School Holidays, continuing the 13.8 kilometre upgrade between the Southend Access Road Junction and the Beachport outlet.

During Stage Two, the road between the Southend turn-off and Burks Island Road will be closed, with a clearly signed detour in place via Hatherleigh.

Wattle Range Council director of engineering Peter Halton acknowledged the project has faced delays however emphasised the importance of upholding high road construction standards.

“While the delays are unfortunate, we are here to make a quality road for the community, now is not the time to cut corners, and we feel that extending the timeline is in the best interest of the wider community,” he said.

“I would like to applaud the Beachport community and in particular the Beachport Tourism Working Group who are working with council to ensure the town remains a vibrant destination throughout the works.”

Among their initiatives is a visit from South Aussie with Cosi which will go to air late November, with the popular tourism program filming a segment in the town.

Other activities and attractions include spring school holiday events, a beach art and sandcastle competition, fun photo boards around town, and a hay trail featuring decorated hay bales created by local artists and schools along the detour route.

Local business owner and Beachport Tourism Working Group member Peter Wright said Beachport was very much open for business, and the detour in place was insignificant when weighed against the long-term benefits this road upgrade will bring.

“I’ve been using the Hatherleigh detour regularly since the works began, and the few extra minutes of travel have not been the inconvenience many anticipated, Mr Wright said. “When signage for the detour is in place, the scope of the works will be better understood, and the community can focus on moving forward together.”

The highway reconstruction will continue in stages through to June 2026. To minimise disruption, work will pause over the summer school holidays to ensure locals and visitors can travel freely during the busy holiday season.

Stage One of the project, which includes an upgrade to the footpath from Beachport Surf beach to the outlet, has been closely followed by the community with many residents taking a keen interest in the improvements that promise long-term benefits for safety, tourism, and connectivity.

This major project is part of a joint Federal and State Government’s $168 million Road Safety Program and is being delivered by Wattle Range Council on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).

Visit www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au for more information.