CHANGES could be on the way for a Munno Para Downs intersection, with Gawler and Playford councils holding safety concerns.

At its meeting held last night, Gawler Council discussed a joint plan with Playford to upgrade the Stebonheath and Dalkeith roads intersection to make it safer for motorists.

Currently, the intersection has “give way” signs posted at the Stebonheath Road approach, with traffic on Dalkeith Road given right of way.

According to a report tabled last night, the intersection saw four “casualty crashes” between 2015 and 2019.

This makes any future upgrade to the intersection eligible for either State or Federal Government funding, with the Gawler voting last night whether to support such a move.

All four crashes were a result of motorists turning right from Stebonheath Road onto Dalkeith Road.

Gawler and Playford have been in talks since early 2020 regarding an upgrade, with the latter engaging an external consultant to formulate two concept plans for separate ways to revamp the intersection – each expected to cost between $600,000 and $1.2 million.

The first involves building a roundabout at the intersection, which could also include the installation of nearby footpaths and kerb ramps.

Due to the use of heavy vehicles in the area, the roundabout would be mountable for trucks to allow them to turn through the intersection.

Another option is a “tear drop design”, which would see raised median strips built at all four entries to the intersection, aimed at slowing down drivers upon entry.

The existing “give way” signs would be maintained at the Stebonheath Road entry points and Dalkeith Road traffic would still be given right of way.

“Council has liaised with DIT regarding the concept designs and DIT have provided their feedback to inform the two developed designs,” a report read.

“Council staff advise either design option will significantly improve road safety at the intersection and will work together with City of Playford to validate the final cost estimates and deliver an effective solution to address risks associated with road safety at the intersection.”

Both options would maintain the existing 80km/h speed limit on both roads, with the new infrastructure designed to slow drivers down upon entry.

The Black Spot program provides funding for dangerous intersections at both a State and Federal government level.

If successful for a federal grant, the intersection would be fully funded by the Federal Government, while the SA program would see Playford and Gawler pay for one-third of the project.