REGIONAL ROADS

Tuesday, 30 March 2021                                 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY                                            Page 4813

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome) (15:17): My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Can the minister advise the house when the outback roads to and from William Creek will be open to traffic in time for the Easter break? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain further.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I have had several approaches from people within the electorate of Frome from Port Pirie and other locations regarding being able to travel to and from William Creek. They were advised that there will not be any grading of roads before 7 April, well and truly after the Easter break, and these people were looking forward to going into William Creek and coming back.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:18): I don’t have the detail of that specific road. There are a number of roads across South Australia, but that one I don’t have the detail of. I am happy to take that on notice and come back to the member.

REGIONAL ROADS
In reply to the Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome) (30 March 2021).

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation,

Sport and Racing): I have been advised:

The roads in and out of William Creek commenced reopening on the afternoon of Monday 29 March 2021, initially to 4WD vehicles and then opening progressively over subsequent days.

As of Thursday 1 April 2021 the following access to William Creek was available:

Marree to William Creek	Open to all vehicles
Coober Pedy to William Creek
Oodnadatta to William Creek	Open to 4WD and heavy vehicles
Borefield Road (Roxby Downs—Bopeechee)

 

The roads were closed as a result of rain on 26 March 2021. Following significant rain events, in the interest of road safety it is necessary to allow the roads to dry out before reopening. Grading was not required to reopen the roads.

Oodnadatta Track
An inspection of the Oodnadatta Track from Marla to Marlee was completed on the Wednesday afternoon of 31 March 2021. The inspection indicated that there were some creek crossings along the route which required minor attention including the Kathleen Creek crossing between Marla and William Creek which was still running with300-millimetre deep water.

The section between William Creek and Marree was found to be in an acceptable condition. There were some isolated sections of ponded water more specifically in the Bopechee area. However, no sections were reported as being particularly hazardous and in an unsafe state for motorists.

There were two road maintenance patrols working on the Oodnadatta Track prior to Easter. The wet maintenance patrol had been working on the Oodnadatta Track (approximately 85 kilometres north of William Creek) since January 2021. It is anticipated that they will complete the wet maintenance section soon.

Another dry maintenance patrol was also mobilised to the Oodnadatta Track just before Easter. They commenced grading to the south of William Creek and are progressing towards Marree. The dry maintenance patrol will also undertake grading of the Borefield Road while they are working on the Oodnadatta Track.

William Creek Road.
William Creek Road has now opened to all vehicles, with caution. It is planned to utilise the wet maintenance patrol to undertake grading on the William Creek Road.

Road users can access the latest advice on road conditions at www.dit.sa.gov.au/outbackroads.