Sections of the famed Oodnadatta Track will be made easier to pass during rain events. Photo: Google Maps.
One of the most remote roads in Australia will receive a series of upgrades over the next few months to make it more accessible during floods.
Work began recently on a section of the track between Marla and Oodnadatta that has been closed several times in recent years. It will see five major floodways added over the 80-kilometre section of unsealed road. Each floodway will be reinforced with cement and will be sealed to make it easier to drive on when wet.
Concrete walls and mesh stone baskets will be constructed on both sides of the floodways to prevent floodwaters from eroding the track, while the road surface will also be raised in some places, with formation works to allow water to run off the road.
It is anticipated the works will be completed by mid-2024, and the road will remain open during this time with reduced speed limits and local lane diversions in place. The $10.6 million project is funded by the Federal and South Australian governments, with the Federal Government kicking in $8.7m from its Roads to Recovery Program.
The 600 km-long Oodnadatta Track runs southeast to northwest from Maree on the Outback Highway south of Lake Eyre to Marla on the Stuart Highway about 150 km northwest of Coober Pedy. It is considered a vital transport link for freight for local communities and pastoralists, and a popular tourist route.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Roads to Recovery program helped local councils deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across the country to improve safety and keep communities connected.
“The Australian Government is committed to working with our state counterparts to deliver local road and community infrastructure projects that have a lasting impact in communities big and small,” she said.
“The Oodnadatta Track upgrades in South Australia will do just that for this busy road network and make it easier and safer for motorists, particularly during severe weather events.”
South Australian Minister for Regional Roads Geoff Brock said the track was a daily route for many locals and pastoralists as well as travellers, and that it was vital to maintain and upgrade it to ensure accessibility.
“Too many times we’ve seen road users become stranded along the track following intense rain, and these works will help vehicles and caravans avoid becoming bogged in a remote location,” he said.
“The upgrades will also save freight trucks from having to take a much longer route to their destination if the track is cut off.
“Improved floodways and better road conditions will give drivers the confidence to travel on the Oodnadatta Track when severe weather hits, but it’s important to still plan and make sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies.”
