CONSTRUCTION is soon to start on the $3.8 million upgrade to Kapunda’s East Terrace.

The upgrade will apply between the Thiele Highway and Perry Road to eventually allow for modern heavy vehicles to use East Terrace to detour Kapunda’s town centre.

The $3.8 million project completes the Heavy Vehicle Freight Route for the area and has been jointly funded by Light Regional Council and the Federal Government, which provided $1.9 million.

Light Regional Mayor Bill O’Brien said detailed design works are progressing quickly with engineering design, land acquisition and consultation with affected landowners all well underway.

Preconstruction activities such as tree removal, new property fencing, service relocations and accommodation works are anticipated to commence in April, 2021 with the main civil construction to start in June.

“Council is most grateful for the hard work and support that the Member for Barker Tony Pasin has given to this project and to the Australian Government for providing a significant funding contribution towards the works,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This funding will see the completion of the Heavy Vehicle Freight Route, which will divert all heavy vehicle transport away from the built-up areas of Kapunda and allow the town to further develop without the constant fear of heavy vehicles in the town centre.

“Council is also extremely grateful to the landowners along this route that have co-operated where land has needed to be acquired, again showing that the community is right behind this important infrastructure.”

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Kapunda Heavy Vehicle Detour is one of eight projects across Barker that will share in $8 million in Federal Government funding, under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP), announced in late 2020.

“Fixing these last mile issues is important for not only productivity gains but most importantly safety of all road users and pedestrians,” Mr Pasin said.

“The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program provides funding to local councils and State and Territory Governments to help fund works designed to improve the safety and efficiency of important heavy vehicle routes around the nation.”

JT Johnson and Sons managing director Mark Johnson said a dedicated heavy vehicle freight route will improve safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians in the town centre and built up areas.

“As a major employer and exporter, we support the council’s road upgrade initiative that supports our focus on safety, transport Chain of Responsibility and transport efficiency,” Mr Johnson said.

“We are grateful for the support Tony Pasin has given the project and look forward to its completion in the next 12 months.”

Work is expected to be completed in late 2021 or early 2022.