Ashton calls for Gomersal Road upgrades

Member for Schubert Mrs Ashton Hurn MP is advocating for upgrades to the condition of Gomersal Road, Tanunda, and has proposed the addition of ‘slow vehicle turnout’ lanes – formally addressing her concerns in a letter to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Tom Koutsantonis.

An essential route for locals, tourists, and businesses travelling between the Sturt Highway and the Barossa Valley, Gomersal Road has served as a crucial link since its sealing in 2002 - however, recent concerns among regular users about the road’s condition and congestion have highlighted growing issues.

“Gomersal is a critical connection road for locals, farmers and tourists, and its condition should be better,” Mrs Hurn told The Leader.

“Concerns regarding the condition as well as traffic flow have been raised with me on a number of occasions now – so, I’ve gone to the Minister to enquire as to whether consideration could be given to installing ‘slow turnout lanes’ at any point like we see across the Adelaide Hills.”

‘Slow vehicle turnout’ lanes are designed to allow for traffic to pass slower moving vehicles where constraints do not allow provision of a full overtaking or climbing lane – suited to two-lane, two-way roads that are winding or hilly and have limited passing opportunities.

At present, there are ‘slow vehicle turnout’ lanes at various locations throughout the Adelaide Hills, offering an opportunity for drivers of slow-moving vehicles to ‘turnout’ of the main lane and, if necessary, stop briefly to allow following vehicles to pass.

Utilised by a variety of road users, including trucks, recreational vehicles, caravans and regular vehicles, ‘slow vehicle turnout’ lanes would assist in easing congestion on Gomersal Road – while upgrades to the condition of the surface would reduce potholes, balance uneven surfaces and improve safety along the stretch between the Sturt Highway and Tanunda.

“It’s a key entry point to and from the Barossa so it’s certainly worthy of some exploration,” Mrs Hurn said.

“We also need to see the road surface get up to scratch, so I want to know what plans there are to improve that.

“We already know that fixing our roads has a multi-billion-dollar price tag and, disappointingly, we didn’t see an investment anywhere near that in the recent state budget.

“We need to see long term investment in our regional roads because it’ll benefit not just locals, but our economy too.”

Story & photo: Gretel Mead, The Leader Newspaper