River Murray flood update: Morgan and Burdett roads to re-open this week

Monday, 6 March 2023

The flood-affected sections of Morgan Road, Barmera and Burdett Road, Cowirra will re-open to all traffic over the next two days, following the completion of temporary repairs and clean-up works.

Morgan Road, between Arnold Coats Road and Queen Elizabeth Drive, will re-open to all traffic with a 60km/h speed restriction in place from 11.30am Tuesday, 7 March, after water receded to a safe level and the temporary levee along the road was removed by Berri Barmera Council.

The temporary levee (inlet closure) was put in place in December to disconnect Lake Bonney from the River Murray.

Bridge and road pavement assessments for Morgan Road have been completed, with some identified minor pavement repairs having been completed by Berri Barmera Council, along with debris clean up works.

Berri Barmera Council will continue with the remaining levee removal and road repair works under traffic management over the next two weeks. Speed restrictions will be lifted upon completion of these works.

Burdett Road, between Cowirra Swamp Road and Hunter Road, will also re-open to all traffic with a 60km/h speed restriction in place at 9am Wednesday, 8 March, following the completion of temporary repairs.

Both Burdett and Hunter roads in Cowirra sustained significant damage as a result of flooding, with immediate repair works commencing on both roads on Tuesday, 21 February.

The repair works on Burdett Road have now been completed, enabling the road to re-open.

Road users are reminded to comply with all road signage and always drive to the conditions, with speed restrictions in place. Please continue to be mindful of other motorists and staff on site.

Once Morgan and Burdett roads have re-opened, Hunter Road will be the last of the 12 State Government-managed roads to remain closed.

Repair works on Hunter Road are continuing and are expected to be completed in late March 2023.  The Department thanks all road users for their patience and understanding while these important works are undertaken.

In the meantime, to provide Bolto and Cowirra residents access to their properties from Mannum, the Mannum upstream and downstream ferries are open to local light vehicle traffic (under 3 tonnes) and an additional passenger-only ferry service is running between Mannum and Cowirra.

Both the Mannum ferries will be restored to full service, without weight restrictions, and the passenger-only ferry will stop operating once Hunter Road is re-opened.

Attention has now turned to longer term repairs and reconstruction activities. The Department continues to work closely with local councils, and emergency and essential services to ensure a coordinated approach to activities.

Planning to identify potential betterment works have also commenced.