Proposed Olympic Dam expansion prompts Stuart Highway upgrade
News Release |
Hon Tom KoutsantonisMinister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade |
Monday, 30 January 2012
Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis said today the Stuart Highway will undergo the most extensive upgrade in decades in readiness for the Olympic Dam project.
“For those looking for evidence that the mining boom in South Australia will lead to improvements in our State’s infrastructure, here is an excellent example,” Mr Koutsantonis says.
“Funded from $25 million to be provided by BHP Billiton following the approval of the proposed Olympic Dam expansion, this infrastructure project will assist the mining industry in our State’s Far North and provide an upgraded highway for all users of Australia’s major north-south thoroughfare.
“We anticipate that the Olympic Dam expansion will lead to hundreds of trucks creating increased traffic movements as construction material is transferred from Port Augusta to Roxby Downs.
“Long after that work is completed, the upgraded highway will remain providing better access to regional South Australia and providing economic benefits to Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie.
“More and more the Stuart Highway is becoming the main artery for our mining industry.
“By widening the road and sealing the shoulders to create a 3.5 metre wide traffic lane between Port Augusta and Olympic Dam, this Government is ensuring this vital artery doesn’t become clogged.”
The upgrade is part of $1.2 billion in preliminary works and equipment contracts announced by BHP Billiton ahead of approval for the expansion project, which is expected to be considered this year.
South Australian companies PD Excavations and Bardavcol have been awarded contracts for works on the Stuart Highway and on the road from Pimba to Olympic Dam.
Shoulder sealing and road widening along the Stuart Highway from Port Augusta to Pimba and then to the mine site at Olympic Dam will be carried out in three stages with first works beginning 1 February. All work is expected to be completed by September 2012, weather permitting.
“The upgrading of the State’s major northern highway will improve safety and efficiency for all road users while ensuring the movement of wide loads to mines in the Far North,” Mr Koutsantonis says.
Work on the Port Augusta North section will be followed in late February/early March by the Pimba South section. The upgrade also includes the Pimba to Olympic Dam Road to Roxby Downs.
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure advises traffic road work speed restrictions will apply and motorists may encounter minor delays during the work on the upgrade.
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/minerals/press_and_events/news_releases/proposed_olympic_dam_expansion_prompts_stuart_highway_upgrade
- Page Last Modified: February 3, 2012