The Liberal Opposition has welcomed the announcement of a $168 million investment for a series of safety treatments across some of the state’s most problematic regional roads.

The funding will cover roads across the Yorke Peninsula, Murraylands, Mid North, Eyre Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula.

Roads that will be upgraded include Upper Yorke Road – which was voted South Australia’s worst grain road in 2022 – sections of the Mallee Highway and RM Williams Way.

Shadow Minister for Regional Roads, Adrian Pederick, said the regional roads finally being addressed is welcomed after substantial cuts in maintenance funding since the Malinauskas Labor Government came into power two years ago.

“This is great news for those who live in our regions and frequently travel on our regional roads,” Mr Pederick said.

“The Marshall Liberal Government invested a record amount for regional road projects and unfortunately that hasn’t continued under the Malinauskas Labor Government.

“I am particularly pleased that Upper Yorke Road will be upgraded after two years of lobbying by myself and other invested bodies following the comprehensive work done by Grain Producers SA on the state’s worst grain roads.

“I also look forward to seeing improvements to the 65km section of the Mallee Highway between Tailem Bend and Geranium. We need to ensure there is further funding for the rest of the Mallee Highway as it is a vitally important link between Adelaide and the eastern states.

“These projects are a significant step in addressing the state’s $3 billion road maintenance backlog and I hope to see these investments continue regularly.”