WASLEYS Bridge has received the lifeline it needs to remain open to motorists, while a major Two Wells T-junction is set to become a roundabout.

Adelaide Plains Council has been successful in two separate bids for Federal Government funding and last week secured a combined $547,000.

A grant of $107,500, through round five of the Bridges Renewal Program will help prolong the life of the historically-significant but deteriorating Wasleys Bridge, which crosses the Light River at Barabba and is a main route for motorists travelling between Wasleys and Mallala.

Another $439,500, through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity program, will be spent towards providing a safer link between Gawler Road and Port Wakefield Road, by converting the existing T-junction at Mallala Road and Old Port Wakefield Road to a roundabout.

Adelaide Plains Council chief executive James Miller said the grant money has given the green light to two projects council has been wanting to bring to fruition.

“Management has been working feverishly to secure grant funds for these two vitally important projects for quite some time and I am absolutely thrilled with (the) announcement,” Mr Miller said.

“The allocation of grant funds towards the Wasleys Road Bridge and the Two Wells Roundabout will ease the financial burden on our ratepayer base significantly.

“Management will continue to explore funding opportunities with the Federal and State Governments to deliver infrastructure projects and create employment opportunities across our region.”

APC Mayor Mark Wasley met with Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, last week, to view the proposed location of the Two Wells Roundabout, along with the Wasleys Road Bridge to see firsthand where the grant funding will be spent.

“On behalf of APC I sincerely thank the Australian Government for their generosity and acknowledge the work Rowan Ramsey has done for the people of the Plains,” he said.

The total cost of the Wasleys Bridge renewal project, which will include significant steel and concrete works will be $215,000, with council to make-up the shortfall.

Late last year, council revealed if it was not successful in its grant bid for the project it would have to consider enforcing speed or (further) load restrictions, or look to close it all together.

Meanwhile, the Two Wells roundabout installation is set to cost a total of $879,000 and will allow access to be upgraded from B-Double to PBS level 3A capable, as well as cater for increased traffic to and from the nearby housing estate and new Xavier College campus.