Upgrade to allow B-double access between Palmer and Lobethal
The federal government is inviting tenders for South Australia’s Lobethal Freight Access Upgrade project.
The $14 million project is designed to improve freight competitiveness by providing a B-double connection between Palmer and Lobethal.
Urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher says the upgrade will improve supply chain productivity, efficiency and safety in the region.
“This project will upgrade a 34 kilometre route to provide heavy vehicle access from the existing Adelaide Hills freight route at Palmer, through Tungkillo and Mount Torrens to the Thomas Foods International facility in Lobethal.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin says the upgrade will allow Higher Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV), including B-doubles up to 26 metres long, to service the Lobethal region.
Currently, only standard 19 metres long semi-trailers can service the region.
“Some of the major improvements on the freight route will include junction and culvert upgrades for safe turning movements; upgrades to bridge structures and road pavement; safety improvements including road widening and shoulder sealing; and road alignment improvements,” Pasin says.
“The Lobethal upgrade will improve productivity and reduce ‘last mile’ access issues, especially in regional areas.
“The Australian Government is working closely with industry to improve freight productivity, including through upgrades like this, as well as initiatives such as the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.”
Works on the project are due to start later in 2017 and scheduled for completion by late 2018, weather permitting.
The project is fully funded by the federal government.
For more details, visit the SA government website.