Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills Transport Study

The Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills Transport Study (the Study) is delivering on the South Australian Government’s commitment to examine key transport issues impacting the growth of Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills region.

The Study commenced in September 2022 and included a technical assessment of the transport network in the Adelaide Hills as well as stakeholder and community engagement.

The Adelaide Hills region covers an area similar in size to metropolitan Adelaide and contains 32 townships. The economic makeup of the region presents diverse and rich range of sectors including health, retail education and tourism among others. People work and live across the region, however, the highest concentration is in Mount Barker/Littlehampton and between Crafers and Bridgewater close to the South Eastern Freeway.

As the population and travel demand increases, pressure on the region’s roads will rise. Better understanding the needs of those travelling to/from and within the region is sought to help future transport planning and decision making.

This Study is building on the $580 million investment by the Australian and South Australian Governments and will consider further transport needs and investment priorities to support population growth, economic growth and liveability.

• Mount Barker/Adelaide Hills Transport Study information sheet

Committed projects in Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills

The Australian and South Australian Governments are delivering on a range of improvements to the Mount Barker/Adelaide Hills transport network drawing on the $580 million in Federal and State government funding, including:

• The Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade Project to address congestion, connectivity, freight efficiency and safety in and around Hahndorf;
• The Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package to improve the regions state-managed road network;
• A new dedicated express bus service, fleet and depot, expanding the Crafers Park ‘n’ Ride, and planning for a Bridgewater Park ‘n’ Ride;
• Upgrades to the South Eastern Freeway to reduce the impact of traffic incidents on traffic flow;
• The Heysen Tunnels Refit and Safety Upgrade - making the Heysen Tunnels safer, with new lighting, ventilation, fire suppression, traffic management systems, and emergency communication systems;
• A review into the Mount Barker Infrastructure Deed and planning for future upgrades to Adelaide Road, Flaxley Road, Wellington Road and the Heysen Boulevard;
• A business case for a Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass to consider how we could re-route trucks and heavy vehicles not destined for Adelaide around the metropolitan area (avoiding the South Eastern Freeway);
• The South Eastern Freeway Heavy Vehicle Safety Review to address recent safety issues between Crafers and the intersection of Cross Road, Portrush Road and Glen Osmond Road;
• Wellington Road and Heysen Boulevard Roundabout – to help support urban growth in Mount Barker;
• South Eastern Freeway Pavement Rehabilitation – Bridgewater to Callington to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the freeway for all road users.

Community Engagement

The initial engagement process, that started September 2022, focused on listening, learning and gathering local insights on current experiences travelling in the region. More than 860 people shared their insights and aspirations for the region through an online survey, community drop-in sessions, written submissions and 39 stakeholder engagement meetings.

The Department is analysing the information and finalising a ‘what we heard’ report.

An Area Transport Study report is being prepared that outlines key issues impacting the region including potential focus areas for future transport improvements.

Contact us

If you have any further questions about the Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills Transport Study please do not hesitate to contact the team:

email DIT.Engagement@sa.gov.au

telephone 1300 794 880