South Australia, which saw a horrifying road death toll this year, will invest $168 million in enhancing road safety.
The money will be used to upgrade regional and urban pathways, bike lanes, and walkways.
In addition to the funds committed in this year’s budget, the commonwealth will now contribute an additional $84 million to the state’s road safety programme, for a total of $266 million over five years.
There have been 109 deaths in the state this year as opposed to 66 at this same time last year, a rise of 61.4 percent.
At 1253, the national road toll is at its highest level since 2016.
To bring regional roads up to at least a three-star safety standard, some of the funding will be especially used for projects including shoulder sealing, audio-tactile line markings, delineation, roadside barriers, lane/curve expansion and pavement repairs.
“This major investment targets regional roads, where about half of all road fatalities have occurred in SA this year, as well as cycling and walking infrastructure across Adelaide and the state,” said Treasurer Stephen Mullighan.
The enhancements, according to Regional Roads Minister Geoff Brock, would improve truck drivers’ working conditions and safety.
Charlie Stevens, the son of South Australian Police Commissioner Grant, was among the deceased. He was struck by a car in Goolwa in November.
By 2050, the state wants to have eliminated all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. This is known as Vision Zero.
