Works have begun on a flood-prone section of the Oodnadatta Track in South Australia’s far northwest to improve access after rain and help motorists avoid becoming stranded between Marla and Oodnadatta.

Five major floodways will be reconstructed along an 80-kilometre section of unsealed road between the remote towns of Marla and Oodnadatta, with each floodway reinforced with cement and sealed to make it easier for vehicles to drive on when the track is wet.

Formation works will also take place to raise the surface level of the track in targeted areas, creating table drains that allow water to run off the road, enabling the Oodnadatta Track to remain open or be reopened sooner after rainfall.

Concrete walls and mesh Gabion baskets filled with stones will be constructed on both sides of the floodways to prevent floodwaters from eroding the track.  New signage will also be installed to give drivers more warning and longer preparation time, improving safety for road users.

The Oodnadatta Track is 600 kilometres of unsealed road between Marla and Maree, and provides a vital freight link for local communities, pastoralists and tourists. These works occur within the 207-kilometre section between Marla and Oodnadatta. Construction of the upgraded floodways and formation works are expected to be completed by mid-2024.

The entire track will remain open during construction, with speed and lane restrictions in place throughout the affected 80-kilometre section.

The $10.6 million project is funded by the Australian and South Australian governments with the Australian Government committing more than $8.7 million under the Roads to Recovery Program.

For more information, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/roads-recovery-program.

The local community is extremely pleased with the news of the upgrades. The general consensus is: “Well overdue so it’s great news.” ”It’s been appalling for many years at great cost to business, tourism, and services.” ”Definitely required.”

Long-term Oodnadatta lobbyist Adam Plate (now deceased) drew attention to the plight of the remote area roads throughout his time in Oodnadatta.

President of the Coober Pedy Retail, Business, and Tourism Association George Kountouris said, “Our Association and our community welcome any improvements to the neglected infrastructure at Coober Pedy and its surrounding areas.”

Coober Pedy and the surrounding districts are in one of the world’s most unique areas and have roads similar to that of a third-world country. Yet tourism, especially by road between these places, increases every year.

While the importance of tourism is vital to Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta, and all surrounding areas, so is a clear passage for their supplies and that of the emergency services based in our town that provide life and property-saving services in those remote areas.

“Oodnadatta is an essential two-way link to Coober Pedy and other surrounding towns and pastoral properties for everyday business as well as the traveling public”, said Mr. Kountouris

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “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.”

“Our Roads to Recovery program helps local councils deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across the country to improve safety and keep communities connected.”

“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 Oodnadatta Track is a daily route for many locals and pastoralists as well as travelers and it’s vital we continue to maintain and upgrade this key outback road 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.”

“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 ahead and make sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies,” concluded Minister Brock.

Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan said, “The Australian Government is committed to creating safer road networks across the state and the Oodnadatta Track upgrades are a critical part of this significant work.”

“These improvements ensure the key route is upgraded and severe weather impacts are minimised for locals and all motorists that use this stretch of road daily.”

“The Oodnadatta Track is a vital route connecting remote communities and I am pleased to see the Australian Government investing in outback South Australia to deliver safer and reliable freight routes and create better amenity for visitors to the region.”